In the heart of Falling Waters, West Virginia, Jeane and Paul Briggs have created a remarkably large family, comprising 32 adopted children and five biological ones, spanning ages from 10 to 47. Their unique journey as parents began in 1976 when they met at a youth Methodist leaders’ conference and subsequently married. Initially, they envisioned a conventional family life, but life had other plans, leading them to become parents to an impressive total of 37 children.
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Paul Briggs, now 71, reflects on their journey, stating that there was never any goal to form a “megafamily.” “It was really just a series of events that continued to bring more children in,” he comments, explaining how unexpected circumstances led them to open their hearts and home to numerous children over the years. Although they are not actively seeking to expand their family further, Jeane, aged 69, playfully suggests they would welcome another child under the right circumstances, preferably one that is not a baby.
The couple’s adoption journey began more than 20 years ago, with the arrival of their son Abraham from Mexico in 1985. Abraham faced significant challenges, being abandoned and legally blind. Jeane describes the emotional journey, stating, “He was abandoned,” yet he remains a cherished member of the household, continuing to live with his parents.
Today, they manage a bustling household of 14 children, all living in their spacious home. The logistics of family life necessitate a well-organised system to ensure everything runs smoothly. With a family of this size, the Briggs household operates much like a well-oiled machine; chores are allocated to each child, and grocery shopping follows a set routine. Older children often assist Jeane in meal preparation, fostered by her passion for cooking, which Paul jokingly refers to as her “love language.” Their mealtime menu typically features family favourites such as spaghetti and grilled cheese.
Joseph, 36, one of their older sons who was adopted from a Ukrainian orphanage when he was 15, highlights the warmth of their family meals. He affirms that Jeane’s cooking plays a big role in family dynamics, “I’m never going to move out,” he jests, emphasizing the strong bond shared among the siblings during their communal meals.
In terms of finances, the Briggs family relies on Paul’s steady income from his IT career, alongside government assistance for three children who have disabilities. Over the years, the couple also found it essential to relax their rules surrounding technology and bedtime, adapting to changing times while maintaining core family values. They remain punctual when attending church as a complete family, a feat not often accomplished by families of any size.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Mary Kate Johnson, 43, one of their daughters, shares the joy that new siblings brought into their lives. “It was a lot to adjust, but it was always very positive. So much so that I wanted to do it when I got older,” she notes. Following her parents’ example, Mary Kate has also embraced adoption, bringing four children from Ghana into her family, and resides within proximity of her parents.
Joseph’s venture into the workforce mirrors the experiences of many of his siblings. He began his career at Sam’s Club, like many of his brothers and sisters, and has benefited from Walmart’s “Live Better U” programme, which has provided substantial educational funding for several of the Briggs children. “I always said I have a family, and then I have another family at Sam’s Club,” he recounts, illustrating the strong affiliations they maintain both at home and in the workplace.
As Mary Kate observes the dedication her parents have shown throughout the years, she marvels at their resilience in navigating the unique challenges that a large family presents. “They have handled it very well and have been thrown a lot, but because of how they’ve lived and what they’ve seen, it’s truly remarkable,” she states with pride.
The story of the Briggs family not only highlights the complexities of raising an expansive brood but also encapsulates the love and fulfilment that comes with their extraordinary lifestyle. Through trials and tribulations, jealousy and joy, Jeane and Paul Briggs have not only embraced the unpredictability of large family life but have thrived within it, creating a legacy of love that continues to shape both their lives and the lives of their children.