Wednesday's Child Success Story

(WTNH) - A doctor from Darien who had first thought about adoption years ago, decided to take the plunge and give a baby girl a loving, stable home.

If Dr. Jennifer Jose seems a little infatuated with six month old Gracie it's because she waited more than six years to become a mother.

"It's a miracle for me. It really is," Dr. Jose said.

Dr. Jose says it was during her residency that she first thought about adoption after seeing just how many children are in need of a safe, stable home.

"I experienced that temporarily in the emergency room. And then after my residency, I started trying to conceive, and that was in the back of my mind the whole time," she said.

So in her 40s, and single, Dr. Jose decided to become an adoptive parent.

"I want to be able to experience what it's like to be a mother. And you know what? Why not? Why not adoption," she said.

That "why not" attitude is a big reason she's making it work. She often brings Gracie to her medical practice in Darien.

"I have a room in the back, I have a kitchen, I have my office, and I have my babysitter or my sister, my family member, to come in and they take turns," she explained.

DCF Social Worker Grace Mones is proud to see this adoption happen, but is quick to point out there is a lot more work to do.

"We have so many children awaiting to be adopted. All ages. I really push for adolescents. We have many, many adolescents that deserved to be loved as well. They deserve to have a family, someone to call their own," said Mones.

Dr. Jose hopes her story will inspire others to be that next family.

If you are interested in adopting a child or if you'd just like to learn more about becoming a foster parent call DCF at 800-842-6348.