by Alyssa Ast

Lepolia (Lee) West became the first bachelor in Illinois to adopt an infant, but not after a long and intense battle surrounded by controversy. While a servant to the Chicago Police Department, an abandoned infant was brought into the local hospital, where West became compelled to adopt the child as his own, despite being told he was fighting an impossible battle.

After a long and suspenseful journey, West was finally able to adopt the child, becoming the first bachelor in Illinois to adopt. The intensity of the court case caught the public’s attention, and West’s mission to adopt the child was featured in many well known publications throughout the country, including The Wall Street Journal, Jet Magazine and Ebony Magazine. A Hollywood producer even reached an agreement with West to develop his story into a feature film or television series.

You can now read West’s incredible adoption story in the true book, Officer, why don’t you adopt him?” Learn more about West and his book in this exclusive interview!

WM: What inspired you to share your adoption story?

West: My concern with the growing number of abandoned kids, and the 125,000 kids in foster care who need and want a secure loving family.

WM: Adopting your son was considered to be an unachievable task. What kept you motivated to continue fighting to become his father despite the negative responses from lawyers, social workers and others?

West: The fact that I was compelled. My life up to this adoption had been arranged; whereas, I was to be in Chicago and in the position to meet this child at the time he was abandoned. After that, it became a challenge knowing that I had divine help.

WM: What advice would you offer to families considering adoption?

West: The best advice I could give to anyone considering adoption is from the bible, where Jesus said: in (Mark 9:37) “Who shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive, receiveth not me, but Him that sent me.

WM: What advice would you offer to those who may be hesitant to share their life’s story?

West: Sharing the events in our lives will be an inspiration and encouragement for others.

WM: What lessons do you hope people can learn from your book?

West: In this book, an effort has been made to set forth the potential God has endowed us with, and if the reader is to truly profit from this untapped potential , he needs to definitely and earnestly beseech God to bless them to him, to apply His Truth to the conscience and heart, so that his life will be transformed thereby.

More about the Author

Author Lepolia West served 30 years as a public servant for the Chicago Police Department. West is also a military veteran, an evangelist and advisor, as well as an avid bible student. Author Lepolia West earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chicago State University, and ultimately became a bachelor father– the first bachelor allowed to adopt a child in the State of Illinois. His passion for his purpose in life compelled him to write “Officer…why don’t you adopt him?” to encourage others to live up to their potential.

Purchase your copy of this amazing story at www.officerleewest.com!