Every child has a story to tell. We can help write that story.
I could tell by Noah’s face he had something exciting to tell me, as he ran up to my car. I was almost to the top of the hill at the group home that houses 18 boys in foster care. I barely got the window down, before he started, “Ms. Jessica, today is a big day; I’m going to an adoption picnic. Do you know what that is?”
Given my work in foster care, I did know, but I thought I would let Noah tell me. What I wasn’t prepared for is the story that was about to pour out of his heart – his story. “Well, it’s where you go to this picnic, and people come to see if you are someone who might want to adopt into their home. I’m hoping today people show up; last time nobody came.”
The anticipation and excitement in his eyes made me hope and pray that people did come today. He continued, “My brother was adopted a few months ago.”
I was thinking he must have had a much younger brother, as often times the younger ones are more appealing to those interested in adopting, but Noah said his brother was 12. Noah is 14.
Before I knew it, I began crying, sobbing actually. I stepped out of my car, and said, “Noah that has to hurt your heart.” He answered, “No, I’m glad he doesn’t have to go in and out of homes anymore, and now he’s with people who are going to really love him.”
We stood leaning against my car; his brave face fading and eyes filling with tears, he answered, “All we had was each other after we were taken from our parents. I’m just hoping his new parents will let me us keep in touch.”
Even though I could see and hear the hurt in this young, 14 year old’s life, he was still staying positive. In fact, he started encouraging me, “Ms. Jessica, it’s okay. You never know. I may find the perfect family for me today.” But, he didn’t. Noah still lives in the boy’s home, and he is still one of the sweetest and positive young men you will meet. He likes football and is trying out for the team this year.
Noah is just one of many teens in foster care Becky’s Kids serves. We are here to stand in the gap to bring people together to come around these kids and be a constant reminder that people care about him, and they are more than worthy of love.
Sarah, Cory, John, J.D., Robby, Kesha, the list of teens in foster care is more than 1,000. Each of them, just like Noah, has a story. We can’t change their story up to this point, but we can do our part to make sure the rest of their story is full of love, encouragement, and support.