The Travis Family

Michelle Travis knew she wanted to be a foster parent.  Although she surrounded her 12 year-old son, Jacob, with a loving environment, Michelle did not want him to be alone.  In her heart, she knew she had the space, time and love to share with another child.  Immediately after discussing the decision with Jacob, Michelle took a course with SolanoCounty, which was followed by a course with Lilliput Children’s Services in Sacramento .  She was approved to be a foster parent in February 2006.

Soon after, Michelle received a call from the county asking her to visit an infant.  “I wasn’t sure because she was a baby.  I was looking for a child anywhere from 6 to 10 years old,” Michelle said.  Reluctantly, Michelle went to see the 10-month-old girl named Mikala.  When their eyes met, however, she knew the baby just found a new home.  “I was told she never smiled, but as soon as I picked her up, she smiled.  She put her head on my shoulders and that was it.  She was coming home with me,” Michelle said.

Since Mikala was already with a foster parent, a transition period was necessary.  Michele and Mikala would have frequent visits, spend hours with each other, and finally, have an overnight stay.  During this transitional time, Michelle’s love for Mikala continued to grow.

But Mikala’s story is one to be told as well.  The infant was born with Acute Renal Failure, addicted to drugs and weighing less than five pounds.  She spent the first 23 days of her life in the hospital being fed through a tube, before released into foster care.

“She adapted really well and we had a bonding experience.  If she was crying on the floor, we were both crying on the floor,” Michelle said.  “What I’ve seen is that Mikala has given me more patience than I imagined and has opened up my heart.  She really has filled our void.”  In April 2007, Michelle adopted Mikala. 

Today, two year-old Mikala attends developmental therapy and is advancing with her speech and motor skills.  And she is rid of any toxins in her body.  “Not everyone is perfect.  If you’re looking for a child to fulfill your life and be part of your family and you’re willing to foster, I think you’re willing to have any child in your life,” Michelle said.  “When you know your child has problems, you work together to help them get over them.  If you understand their problems, they’re not problems any more.”

Written By:  Andrea E. Garcia

Photo By: Robert Murray