Parenthood
Cops becomes friends with pregnant homeless woman and she asks him to adopt her baby
He would often talk to the homeless woman but he never expected her to make such a life-changing request.
Jenny Brown
06.25.22

It’s not uncommon for police officers to go above and beyond their regular line of duty—but this police officer went to the absolute extreme.

What started out as a regular workday for Officer Jesse Whitten, became one that he and his wife will never forget.

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

Jesse has ten years under his belt with many more years to come. He befriended a pregnant, homeless woman with an addiction. There were times he’d find shelter for her.

One day, his wife Ashley joined him for a ride out on the streets. It was there she met the homeless woman.

Unsplash - Michael Förtsch
Source:
Unsplash - Michael Förtsch

When Ashley saw that the woman was with child, the homeless woman put Ashley’s hand on her belly. Little did Ashley know that a year later, she’d be mothering that child.

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

The Whittens had three girls all under eight years old.

It was in February that the homeless lady asked them to take her baby. Jesse and Ashley agreed even though they were concerned about the baby’s health. Such wonderful people.

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

With the mother’s addiction battle, there were concerns for the child’s general health.

Samurai Levi commented,

“Honestly, that mother who was addicted has my respects. Instead of keeping the baby and risking her life, she asked the family to adopt her. Not everyone can do that.”

He makes a valid point.

Another viewer says,

“Somehow, the birth mom could see through her self induced madness and noticing that this couple were good, stable and loving folks. And she took a wise decision about her daughters future. I respect her for that.”

There’s nothing more beautiful than a mother’s love.

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

These parents are all praise for their new baby. Jesse says she has the sweetest disposition but is also very engaged and observant. Who knows, maybe this baby girl is a future cop who will pay her dad’s kindness forward. Let’s all hope she does.

And during the hearing, all three sisters Reese, 7, Kendall, 5, and Stella, 3, gave their unanimous yes to the judge, solidifying their newly adopted sister as part of the Whitten family.

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

Baby Harlow Maisey is now a Whitten! Her middle name was given by her biological mother which the Whittens kept honoring Harlow’s real mom.

Jesse told Good Morning America:

“She’s so adorable. She will cry if she needs something, obviously as babies do, but as soon as we would touch her, she’d immediately stop crying. She knew right away that she was safe.”

YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - CBS Mornings

The best part is that they’re still in contact with Harlow’s biological mother. Ashley and Jesse make sure to share pictures of this beautiful baby girl with her. The Whittens will continue to advocate for foster children.

Ashley says that these kids are not broken. All they need is love. And there’s always plenty of that to go around. Ashley also shared that Harlow’s birth mom wanted a better life for her daughter, but knew she couldn’t provide it. So, she turned to the kind police officer and his wife, who are going to give her just that.

Watch more on this incredibly touching story in the video below.

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