Janel Alicia

Fostering Sophia Janel Alicia

Five-year-old Heidi shares her most special book with her teacher. Heidi holds her breath when Miss Janel opens the book. She knows it will be their favorite. Heidi sees a picture of a door. While she listens to Miss Janel read, the door magically opens and Heidi goes through it. Where could that door lead?

Fostering Sophia was inspired by Janel's own story. She experienced the idyllic beginning. A beautiful, healthy baby girl was abandoned at birth at the hospital. Janel was told it never happens, but it did. With hopes of adoption, she loved her as her own, realizing the depths of a mother's love. After the baby's father unexpectedly came forward, every day for Janel and Sophia became as their last and ultimate gift. Janel's role and the foster care system's goal changed to support reunification. The rarity is also her continuing relationship with the child, and her grandmother, who lives just five minutes away from Janel.