Being a parent is not just having a child.
Sometimes, people tend to confuse being a father and being a dad. One is a legal designation, and one is a responsibility.
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A stranger proved his capabilities as a dad when he took in a child when he needed him the most. And while most people just stood, this man sprang into action.
A life-changing trip
Jimmy Amisial’s life changed during one of his regular trips back to his hometown.
He was visiting his hometown during school break which coincided with 2017’s end. Amisial saw a group of people huddled around something.
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Curious about the commotion, Amisial approached the congregation of people. He was not ready for what he saw next.
Lying in a pile of trash was a baby.
The baby was crying.
It was in obvious discomfort as he saw fire ants crawling over the baby’s skin. The child also didn’t have any clothes on.
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While the others just watched and talked about the baby amongst themselves, Amisial picked him up and took him in his arms.
The baby immediately stopped crying.
His mother was surprised when her son came home with a baby in his arms.
They immediately washed him and put lotion on him so that the pain from the ant bites could be eased.
They also called the cops to tell them what happened but did not come forward to claim the baby.
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The judge came calling.
The next day, a judge came over to their house.
The judge asked Amisial if he was willing to be the baby’s temporary legal guardian as they tried to track down the parents.
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Amisial said that he spent sleepless nights just to make a decision.
He is a student from a struggling family, but all of that was about to change when he took the baby in.
It started with a formal adoption.
By 2019, Amisial worked to formally adopt Emilio Angel Jeremiah.
But the journey wasn’t easy. An adoption agency in Haiti estimated that the cost of adopting a child goes for at least $40,000.
To make this possible, Amisial took a break from school and worked part-time jobs so he can support Emilio and his family.
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He also set up an online fundraiser in hopes that the community could help him give Emilio a better life. And the community showed up for him.
His target of $60k was surpassed.
His fundraiser soared to $79k.
Amisial said that the excess money from the adoption will go to Emilio’s school fees. Some of the proceeds will also go to the local orphanages that Amisial supports.
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According to CNN, Amisial has a history of helping orphans.
He joined volunteer work and missions which eventually helped him get a spot at Texas State University where he was studying communications.
All throughout the journey, there was only one thing he anchored himself on.
It’s all about Emilio.
“I want him to be happy. I want to teach him how to love and I want him to know that even though he was left alone, he’s not alone.” He said to CNN.
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It only goes to show that being a parent is beyond having kids. It’s one’s capability of giving unconditional love and support, especially when they need it the most.
See how the community showed up for Jimmy and Emilio in the video below!
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