In a heartwarming tale of love and hope, a Florida firefighter and his wife have shared their adoption journey after finding a newborn in a Safe Haven Baby Box. Vincent, a firefighter with Ocala Fire Rescue, was awoken by an alarm in the early hours of the morning and discovered a healthy infant in the Baby Box. This unexpected surprise would change their lives forever.
Vincent recalls his initial disbelief, thinking it was a false alarm. But when he opened the box, he found a baby wrapped in a pink blanket, peacefully lying there. He instantly felt a connection with her, holding her close and locking eyes. From that moment, he knew he loved her.
For over a decade, Vincent and his wife Katy had been struggling to have a baby. So, when Vincent devised a plan to go to the hospital with the baby and inquire about adopting her, he knew Katy would be on board. At the hospital, Vincent, who is also a paramedic, wrote a note explaining their desire to adopt and left it with the baby. When he finally shared the news with Katy, she couldn’t contain her tears.
Yet, the couple faced anxious moments as they worried whether the note would stay with the baby, fearing she might be taken away. However, their worries were put to rest. On January 4, just two days after being found in the Baby Box, Zoey was home with Vincent and Katy. They officially adopted her in April, and the moment the adoption was finalized, Katy felt like their family was finally complete.
Vincent believes that it was a higher power that brought Zoey into their lives, as they had faced disappointment and discouragement for so long. He hopes that by sharing their story, Zoey’s biological mother can find closure, knowing her child is loved beyond words.
The Safe Haven Baby Box program has been instrumental in providing a safe and anonymous way for parents to surrender their babies. Founded by Monica Kelsey, the organization has installed 148 Baby Boxes across the United States, leading to the safe surrender of 31 babies. These devices, which are temperature controlled and feature a comfortable bed, aim to protect and care for these infants.
Speaking at a press conference on the same day Zoey was surrendered, Kelsey expressed gratitude to the parents who legally surrendered their child, acknowledging their brave decision to ensure their baby’s safety.
The heartwarming journey of Vincent, Katy, and Zoey highlights the power of love, hope, and the bonds that are formed through unexpected circumstances. Their story serves as a reminder of the miracles that can happen when hearts are opened, and families are created through extraordinary measures.
