New parents typically have up to nine months to absorb the idea that a new person will join their family. Judge Bob Brotherton and his wife had only 10 days.

Adoption was a natural option when they thought they couldn’t have a child; Brotherton’s own parents had adopted him. His family history of adoption is one reason Brotherton says he looks forward to presiding over National Adoption Day on Nov. 19 in his 30th District courtroom in Wichita Falls.