The average-size family has been anywhere between 3.13 to 3.2 people over the past two decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For most, that would be the perfect amount. Not too big, not too busy. Just right.
Not for the Elliss family, though. They had much more to give.
Christian Elliss, an emerging linebacker for the New England Patriots, was claimed off waivers after a three-year stint on multiple practice squads. Given the chance, Elliss showed he could make significant contributions on the field and improve with each snap.
Thanks to his upbringing off the field, it's clear why he understands the importance of an opportunity.
At two years old, Elliss was the second-youngest of four siblings. He remembers the chaos they used to cause together, tagging himself as the "trouble maker" – a title he would also share with his older sister Olivia.
One routine day of being "ruffians," according to Elliss, he remembers his mother Rebecca receiving a call from one of her good friends, Kathy Kunkle, the founder of the A Act of Love Adoption Agency.
With a direct connection and the lingering desire to expand their family, Elliss' mother and his father Luther had always been interested in adopting children. Knowing this, Kunkle rang to suggest a visit with a baby named Isaiah who was in need of a loving home.
A need to fill their desires, or a break from her ruffian children, overtook Rebecca and before they knew it she was on her way to their local hospital, leaving Luther to fend for himself.
Soon came another ring, this time from Rebecca to Luther, she had made a decision. "I'm going to bring him home," Rebecca said.
As well as their wish to adopt, Elliss said, it was known Luther's attempt to diffuse any emotional situation was "let's pray about it." Rebecca agreed and hung up the phone to pray on it. 30 seconds later, the phone rang again.
"Ok I prayed about it, he's coming home"
Many years, and seven prayers later, the Elliss family packed a total of 12 children in their home through A Act of Love. Kaden, Olivia, Christian, Noah, Isaiah, Isabelle, Sophia, Jonah, Micah, Elijah, Mia and Colsen.
From Elliss' point of view, the addition of his siblings was like a revolving door of new best friends. They each used the love poured into them by their parents to become successful football players, artists, hair stylists and more. Proving that given the opportunity and support, you can achieve no matter where your journey starts.
"It's about more than giving them a home, welcoming them into the family and becoming one as a household. It's about giving them a chance," said Elliss. "God did something great with my mom and dad, bringing these kids in."
Watching his family's dynamic, and witnessing how impactful his parent's generosity was on his siblings, Elliss said, he and his wife Kaycie can't wait to build a big family of their own.
Together, they have two boys and another baby on the way. The couple already threw their hats in the ring to become the second Elliss family to bring a child in need home with A Act of Love.
Fortunately, adoption is in high demand, putting a two-year waiting list in between them and bringing another child home. In the meantime, Elliss plans to represent the adoption center that completed his family as he takes the field for the My Cause, My Cleats on December 1.
His feet will be decorated with his adopted siblings' names and the emblem of A Act of Love, reminding him his roots are planted strongly in exactly that, an act of love.
