Montgomery County judge completes rare adult adoption after 25-year bond

Montgomery County Judge Wayne Mack and his wife, Mindy, adopted a woman he met as a troubled foster teen 25 years ago and brought her children and granddaughter into their family.

Mack, a reserve captain with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, responded to a complaint about a frightened 16-year-old in foster care and developed a relationship with Michelle, now 40.

“She has been part of our family for 24 years in every way that matters,” Mack added. “Many years ago she told me that life gave me her, not I.”

Mack recounted their meeting on the floor of a closet at Michelle's foster home, as they worked through a major turning point in Michelle's life. She went from Houston to Montgomery County after 10 years in foster care. When she realized she was moving again at 16, she fled.

“It was a God moment that he brought us together,” Mack remarked. It was not my day to work.

Mack worried that without help, she would become “another statistic.” He connected her to Montgomery County Youth Services, now Yes to Youth, and the Macks housed her.

“He prayed over me,” Michelle added, offering patience and understanding without judgment.

Mack became her parent, guiding her through young adulthood. Michelle graduated from Sam Houston State University, has four children, and recently became a grandma.

“She decided years ago she wasn’t going to be a victim; she was going to win,” Mack added.

The family pondered adopting years ago but decided in December. Michelle, her four boys, and her granddaughter join Wayne and Mindy Mack and their adult son, Austin, through the adoption.

“Being part of this family is surreal,” Michelle added. “Having grandparents who love and support them is most important to me.”

Mack said permanent bonds were important in adult adoptions, which are rare.

“Yes, you are our family,” he said.

The Macks said the adoption confirms Michelle's family status for decades.