The year 1962 presented a stark contrast of tragedy and triumph for the nine Baker children, mirroring the very first Christmas story. Their lives took a devastating turn one snowy January night in Battle Lake, Minnesota, when their parents, Walter and Regina, were killed in a single-car accident. Left orphaned, the children, ranging in age from 2 to 13, were placed in separate foster homes, their future uncertain.
News of their plight reached Don and Jean Meyers in Charlotte, North Carolina. Touched by the story, and particularly by the prospect of the siblings being separated, Jean felt compelled to act. Already parents to two biological daughters and having previously adopted three sons, the Meyers felt a calling to keep the Baker children together. "Children need parents," Jean declared, "and if these children were put in this world together, they should stay together."
The Meyers' journey to adopting the Baker Nine involved a series of providential connections. Their conversion to Catholicism following the tragic drowning of one of their adopted sons had forged a strong relationship with their parish priest. This connection proved instrumental in facilitating the adoption process across state lines, linking them with Catholic Charities in Minnesota.
Don Meyers, recognizing the blessings in his own life, saw the children not as a burden but as a gift. "God has blessed me… It’s a small return for the blessings given us," he stated, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with today's societal views on children.
On December 17, 1962, the Baker children arrived in Charlotte, greeted by their new parents with open arms. This heartwarming reunion marked not an ending, but a new beginning. Monica Harbes, one of the Baker children, recalls the excitement of the plane ride and the structured environment the Meyers provided. However, their newfound stability was shattered in 1969 with the death of Jean Meyers. The family dynamic shifted, and the children gradually dispersed.
Monica's journey led her to New York, where she met her husband, Ed, and found faith. Now, with a large family of her own, she reflects on the importance of forgiveness and the redemptive nature of their story. Despite the hardships, the Baker siblings maintain a yearly tradition of connecting on December 17, a date forever intertwined with Christmas and the profound impact of adoption on their lives.
Their story echoes the Christmas narrative, a reminder that life, like adoption, can be unpredictable and challenging, yet ultimately beautiful. The Baker Nine's experience underscores the transformative power of family and the enduring spirit of hope, especially during the Christmas season.
