Melissa grew up believing a different story about her biological parents. Her adoptive family told her that her father had been a Rhodes Scholar and that her mother was a prima ballerina. She eventually discovered that much of what she had been told was untrue. Her biological mother had been a dancer, while her father worked as a stock car racer and sign painter.
Her adoptive parents had not originally planned to adopt either. When Barbara received a call saying a baby girl was available, she and Paul were reportedly surprised. Barbara later explained that they had been undergoing fertility treatments but had never seriously discussed adoption before receiving the unexpected call.
