Single Man Is Denied Adoption of Late Colleague's Daughter So Friend Agrees to Adopt Her – Story of the Day

When Joseph’s coworker, Andrew, died, he wanted to adopt his baby. However, the orphanage refused to consider him because he was a single man with a busy job. Luckily, his friend, Sarah, came up with an idea, and the unexpected happened.

“I’m sorry, sir. But we normally don’t consider single men for adoption. It’s just not the norm,” the orphanage representative, Mrs. Burke, told Joseph when he visited the area. His friend’s baby, Hannah, was taken to the childcare center when her father, Andrew, died of a sudden heart attack.

Andrew had been living with his mother, who also passed away shortly after his death. It was a tragic story all around, especially for the baby.

The way Andrew became a single father was complicated. He got a woman, Paige, pregnant, but his profession as a truck driver forced him to be away from home at least 25 days each month.

Paige didn’t know that and thought Andrew had ghosted her. But she couldn’t get rid of the child. She wanted to give her up for adoption until Andrew realized what was happening and took the baby to his house. Joseph saw firsthand how challenging that whole situation had been, but his friend was a great father.

However, the baby was now alone in an orphanage in Dallas, Texas, and without family. He couldn’t let that happen and decided to adopt her himself. Unfortunately, Mrs. Burke had just told him a shocking truth.

“That’s crazy. There are millions of single fathers out there doing an amazing job. I don’t see what the problem is,” Joseph replied, his hands holding the armrests on the office chair a little too tightly. He was sitting in the office with the orphanage representative, hoping to save a baby from being in the system.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rivera. I know there are tons of single fathers out there, but it’s not an ideal situation. Baby Hannah is only two years old. Several couples will be interested,” Mrs. Burke elucidated, linking her fingers on top of her desk and pursing her lips as if there was nothing she could do.

“Can you guarantee she’ll be adopted into a good family?” Joseph insisted.

“I can’t guarantee anything, Mr. Rivera. Like all families, it’s a gamble. But Hannah will be in good hands,” the lady answered.

“I just don’t get it. Is it just because I’m a single man?”

“Well, you also told me your job as a truck driver keeps you away from home. Have you thought about who would take care of Hannah when you're away? Babies need so much attention. Honestly, if you were married, I would immediately sign you up for consideration. But we hope to give these kids a full family. I know it’s biased and wrong because families come in all forms, but it’s our policy,” Mrs. Burke finished and rose from her chair to escort Joseph out.

He had to leave, and it almost killed him not to do anything for Hannah. I’m so sorry, Andrew. I don’t know what else I can do, Joseph lamented towards the sky, apologizing to his friend for this. He got in his truck and drove to the warehouse, where they parked the trucks when they weren’t in use.

His other good friend, Sarah, was waiting for him. She worked as the receptionist and knew everything about baby Hannah. “What happened?!” she almost jumped from the front desk to ask him. Joseph breathed a resigned sigh and told her everything that had happened. She was furious.

“I can’t believe it! That’s such an archaic rule!” Sarah griped after hearing the whole story. They were sitting in the break room, drinking coffee and lamenting this day.

“It makes sense, though. Who would I leave her with while I’m at work? Andrew had his mother, who was young enough to help. I don’t have anyone to help me like that,” Joseph replied, defeated.

“I could help you!” she chimed in.

“You would basically have to play the role of mom, Sarah,” Joseph muttered, sipping from his cup.

“THAT’S IT!” she exclaimed a bit too loudly and covered her mouth to continue speaking. “Let’s get married and adopt the baby!”

“Are you crazy? That’s no reason to get married. We’re not even dating,” he responded, looking at his friend with wide eyes as if she was crazy.

“It doesn’t have to be romantic. But it could work, right? You can tell the orphanage lady that we decided to get serious and start a family. At the very least, they’ll consider us. I think being Andrew’s friends gives us an advantage. Let’s give it a shot!” Sarah insisted.

Joseph blinked at her in complete shock, but her idea was solid. They were good friends, already in their late 30s. This might be their last chance to have a whole family. They had to try.

They got everything ready, including the marriage license, and went to the courthouse as soon as they gave them an appointment. But they had already talked to the orphanage lady to sign them up as a couple. She frowned at them but couldn’t reject them this time.

Joseph moved into Sarah’s house as quickly as they could to prepare for the adoption inspection, and they passed with flying colors. Her hours at the truck company were utterly regular, and she also had a huge family that was dying to help them.

In the end, they adopted Hannah and couldn’t have been happier. And eventually, Joseph and Sarah fell in love for real and settled into their family as if it was always meant to be. They had two more children, and Hannah was a great big sister to them.

What can we learn from this story?

• The bias against men raising kids alone should end. If someone wants to be a parent, they have every right to be considered. Joseph should have been able to apply for the adoption.
• Some things are meant to be. Sarah and Joseph got married to adopt Hannah, but in the end, they became a real couple with a loving family.

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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who adopted a boy not knowing he was his biological son.

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