Family Life

'We are so grateful': Policeman adopts the baby of a homeless woman

A Californian police officer has gone above and beyond to help a member of his community. 

Officer Jesse Whitten and his wife stepped in when a homeless woman, who was suffering from drug problems, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. 

Jesse, who works for the Santa Rosa Police Department, would check up on the pregnant woman during the year and they formed a bond as a result. 

Several months later, Jesse and his wife Ashley received an unexpected phone call. 

It turned out that the woman personally wanted them to adopt her newborn child.

She hoped that with Jesse's caring love and support that her daughter could have a chance at a good life.

The Whittens accepted delightedly and a few months later, they officially adopted Harlow Masie Whitten as their fourth child.

"It's weird to live in the tension of joy and heartbreak like this story is," Ashley said.

"It's wonderful at the same time."


Although Harlow was exposed to drugs in the womb, she has overcome the problems associated with it and is doing well now. 

Jesse's police department posted a gorgeous photo of him and baby Harlow to Facebook, and it has had a huge reaction, with 4k likes, almost 300 comments, and over 600 shares.

People were overwhelmed by what Jesse and his wife had done and they showed it in the comments.

One said, ''so wonderful! Thank you for caring and opening up your home. Officer Whitten is a hero in so many ways'' while another wrote, ''so emotionally awesome!! The kinds of ugly crying you do in the privacy of your home. Congrats to an amazing family!''

We wish them a happy future together as a family of six! 

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