March 04, 2025

Don't Propose, just adopt W/ Melissa and Jasmine

1 hour 14 minutes

This episode carries a weight that only a few can truly understand—the profound responsibility of opening your home and heart to a child in need. Today, we welcome cousins Jasmine and Melissa, two remarkable women whose lives have been shaped by fostering, adoption, and an extraordinary family history.

Melissa stepped into motherhood in an unexpected yet powerful way, adopting her sister’s daughter after her passing, continuing a legacy of adoption that has been woven through generations of their family. But what makes their story even more unique? Nearly every member of their family, from their grandfather down, has been blind. Their experiences challenge outdated perceptions of what it means to be a blind parent, proving that love and capability know no limits.

Jasmine and Melissa give us a rare look into the realities of fostering—what agencies look for in home inspections, the emotional complexity of reuniting children with their biological families, and the deep bonds that form when adoption becomes part of the journey. They also share something even more incredible: Jasmine's children and Melissa’s daughter are siblings—a connection that deepens their family’s already unbreakable ties.

Jasmine’s story goes beyond parenting—she is also an athlete who travels to sporting events with her running guide dog, a specially trained companion who allows her to compete with confidence. She shares how she manages the demands of training and travel while raising her children. Meanwhile, Melissa sheds light on an often-overlooked reality—adoptive parents don’t receive maternity leave, leaving them to navigate major life changes without the same support systems in place.

And in a twist that challenges traditional ideas of parenthood, Melissa’s kids don’t call her "Mom," nor do they refer to her partner as "Dad"—a choice that works for their family in ways only they can explain.

This episode is filled with eye-opening moments, powerful truths, and the undeniable love that fuels their journey as foster and adoptive parents. Their stories aren’t just about parenting—they’re about showing up for kids who need a home, a family, and a future.

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