Wednesday's Child Surprise

I know I don't work for KSPR anymore, but I had one piece of business to finish. I hope this story will inspire you to pay it forward!

I received a call from a viewer a couple of weeks ago... he wanted to purchase a computer for one of the kids we featured on Wednesday's Child. This person has grown to be a friend of mine, even though we've only briefly spoken on the phone.

I honestly didn't expect him to come through with his promise because it was such a financial commitment. I shouldn't have underestimated him.

Yesterday morning, my friend and KSPR producer Terra picked up the viewer and took him to Walmart. Mind you, I had only met him briefly at the library once before. He had already put a laptop on hold... and when we all three arrived, we went straight back to the electronics department to pick up the computer.

I bought a card and had him sign the bottom. He didn't want anything in return... he just said he hoped the child grew up to be successful and hoped he would remember where he came from.

This viewer inspired me this week and reminded me how kind people can be. He's a veteran, who on first impression, may seem a little gruff. He's the kind of guy who, at times, seems skeptical of the government--the type of person who calls the TV station after a story airs to share his opinion or argue with the someone over an issue. He does not seem like a hero, but now I realize he is.

I will not be there when the Wednesday's Child gets his computer. It has to go through the proper channels since he lives in residential care. By the way, residential care facilities are great in their intentions, but can you really imagine a child growing up in one? Or a child not having a place to call home? with people he/she trusts? Imagine what it's like during the holidays, when their schoolmates talk about Santa. Many of these kids miss their siblings who have already been adopted. I can't imagine the world these children live in, despite the fact that they have people who genuinely care for them. And remember, these kids are in our backyards, kids who go to our churches, kids who are friends with your kids.

This viewer wants to remain anonymous... yet, he could potentially spark something really great inside this kid. This could be a game changer...what an unassuming superhero.

While we all holiday shop for our families and friends and get wrapped up in the material things, please take the time to think of all of those children who go without.

I am so touched that Don, a person who lives on a fixed income, took the time to not only watch a Wednesday's Child story... but also act on it. Even I could not afford to buy a child a computer, and I feel ashamed of myself... I need to start saving up for one good thing like this a year! Don said something that inspired me--he said he could've been a Wednesday's Child, but luckily for him, he had good grandparents. It got me thinking--I was an orphan, too, and all of us have experienced some sort of unfortunate circumstance...but many of us are lucky enough have it happen to us at an age when we can take care of ourselves. Or have it not be detrimental to our existence. Kids have no choice. We have to remember them!

I hope you'll think of Don this year... and his courage to spark change in someone else! So many of us choose not to get involved, and we should try to change that. Don's kindness-in-action has been the best holiday gift I've had so far for 2010, and it wasn't even meant for me.

Wednesday's Child: Alexus

Alexus is one of my favorite gigglers to date. Someone MUST adopt her! She's at the age where she needs a lot of confidence building. I just adore this little girl.

Wednesday's Child: Patrick

This week's Wednesday's Child is Patrick. He's a great kid... very smart. He's absolutely college-bound. He told me he wants to go to Mizzou or Duke. (Two of my three favorite states!)

He taught himself how to make a website; he wants to do something with computers.

The most heartbreaking thing is that he told me he wants a family because he thinks he needs that extra support before he starts high school. :( He's such an insightful kid.

Patrick also loves sports-- Dallas Cowboys! And, he's a pretty good shot! We played hoops the day we met, and he beat me in around the world! Check him out and tell your friends about him. Financial assistance could be available for him to go to college, too.

 

Wednesday's Child: Darrell...Korean arrival...and ADOPTION IN PROGRESS!

ADOPTION CORNER!

1. Please keep my friends Liz, Christian and Jack in your thoughts... Liz and her husband are on their way to the states after a week in Korea! They picked up Jack this week and are headed home NOW!

2. Big congrats to Stephon! He's a former Wednesday's Child and is in the process of being adopted!

3. Check out Darrell-- he's an 11 year old who says he just wants a loving family. Very sweet kid (and check out his rockin' mohawk!)

Wednesday's Child: Tristen

Tristen is a great kid who's got a lot of energy! He loves to play 1-on-1 with you!

 

Wednesday's Child: Keanna

Wednesday's Child is Keanna--she's a very helpful girl who even spends a lot of her spare time helping those in need. Check her out!

 

Wednesday's Child: Marquell

OH my gosh! Marquell is so sweet with his little two front teeth missing.

 

What Would You Eat Out of Hunger?

I won't get on my soapbox tonight, but I want to give you something to think about.

Today, I was not on the news because I had a Wednesday's Child shoot. I usually do this once a month and tape four foster kids throughout the Ozarks-- then air their stories throughout the next month. Since we have adoption professionals coming in from St. Louis and Jefferson City, it just makes sense.

When I shoot these stories, it's easy to lose focus on what we're doing. After all, I just get a glimpse of a child... in a certain time and space. I have no idea where the child has been or what the child has experienced.

I was speaking with a foster mom today who reminded me of why Wednesday's Child is so important. She told me, "You look at these kids and forget where they've come from. Every child has a story."

She then told me a brief story about one of her foster kids. He came to her weighing just 18 pounds at age 4. He couldn't speak... he had been left to fend for himself most days. When his case workers found him, he was pulling paint off the wall. He wasn't pulling paint off the wall to be ornery. He was pulling it off so he could have something to eat.

Good thing this woman is adopting him!

The boy can speak more than 30 words now, and he's learning to communicate through an electronic device. He is really making big strides.

And the best? She decided to adopt him after seeing his story on KSPR during our Wednesday's Child segment.

I will update their story when the adoption becomes final. Thanks to all who continue to support Wednesday's Child. I really feel like we're making a strong commitment to Missouri kids, and I am proud to be a part of it. I hope people will take the two or three minutes it takes to watch the kids' stories and realize the critical need out there!

Wednesday's Child: Alex

Wow! Alex is one of the cutest little guys out there. His case worker says he's really stressed out about not being in a permanent home. It breaks my heart. You'll see what I mean when you watch the story. Thanks!

Wednesday's Child: Lacey

Lacey deserves a home so badly... she wants to find one for all the right reasons. She says she doesn't want a home just so she can get out of foster care, she says she really wants to find a family.

She's a pretty insightful teenager. I think she's a great young woman!

Wednesday's Child: Stephon

This 6-year-old may be the cutest kid I've ever seen. He's got a missing tooth! Oh, I love it.

Stephon is such a great little boy... he's very athletic and likes to cuddle. He also snores!! OH SO CUTE!!!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ALL OF OUR WEDNESDAY'S CHILDREN!

Wednesday's Child: Stephon from ksprwedchild on Vimeo.

Wednesday's Child: Jason

Jason is Wednesday's Child. He is a really great kid, but he's been put through a lot of stress. He had a placement that didn't work out, and so now he's back to square one.

His teachers say he is the smartest kid in his class. He loves science and the outdoors. He really liked the bunnies and the garden at the Rutledge Wilson Farm!

Please spread the word about Jason. He's a good kid.

Wednesday's Child: Robby

Watch Robby's imagination at work. We took him to The Creamery Arts Center in Springfield, and he ended up doing something he never thought he could do. I'm so proud! He's such a great kid, and I really think someone out there will see it, too.

Please continue to spread the word about Wednesday's Child. I'm not going to quit spreading the message...

Wednesday's Child: Brandon and Travis ADOPTION IN PROGRESS!

This is wonderful news! I realized today that I haven't been sharing follow-ups on the blog. (I do, however, always post them on Facebook.)



(*The story is also posted on YouTube)

Brothers Brandon and Travis are in the process of getting adopted TOGETHER! I am elated. Here's their announcement.

In case you're counting, this makes three children now who are in the process of finding forever families. We started this project in May.

Joey has also been in the process of finding a forever home. Here is his announcement and his story!

Wednesday's Child: Dennis

Here's Dennis! He's wicked awesome. He loves to skateboard, bike, play video games, and swim.

He's good at athletics, and he's a sweet boy. He is a people-pleaser. His foster mom says all six of his biological siblings have been adopted, so he's really looking to find a forever family!

Wednesday's Children: Jayson and Joey!

Fantastic news! After 8 weeks of featuring children on our Wednesday's Child segment, we can report that one of the children is being adopted!

Joey is far enough in the process that we can make the announcement. I personally couldn't be more thrilled. I'll keep you posted! Wow!

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On another note, my latest Wednesdays' Child feature is on Jayson--

He's such a cute kid. Really outgoing--definitely the least shy of all of the kids I've interviewed.

Wednesday's Child: Shaneice

Check out Shaneice! She's 15 and available for adoption. Super sweet girl!

Click here to see her story!

I met a girl who didn't know how to make a wish!

Today I shot five Wednesday's Child stories (which is why I wasn't on air today.) These are stories about kids who are in the foster care system and are available for adoption.

Most, if not all, have been abused or neglected by the very people who were supposed to love them and take care of them.

They are children who have faced levels of disappointment most of us can't imagine...

Today, I met a little girl who didn't know how to make a wish. It really blew me away, and it made me realize how important it is to save our children.

I asked my regular question..."If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?"

She said, "I don't wish."
M: "Why?"
Girl: "Because they never come true."
M: "Well, I hope we can change that."
Girl: "Well, then... what can I wish for?"
M: "You can wish for anything. Would you wish for a family?"
Girl. "Yeah..."

My heart broke right then. Her adoption specialist told me she's had so much disappointment... Every time someone wants to adopt her (birth family members, mostly), it falls a part. She gets her hopes up, and then she reaches new lows.

These are our children! Kids who are in our schools, our neighborhoods... some are living in residential centers... Can you imagine a child living in an institution? Simply because there's no one out there to take care of them?

At this point in my life, it would be hard for my husband and I to adopt a child. But, I think we will consider respite care. It's like being a relief-foster family...

Anyway, please open your hearts and minds to these children. So far, I've featured four children on our newscasts... Here they are... and yes, you will soon hear about the girl who didn't know how to make a wish! Her story will be up later...

Dalton
Joey
Kenny
Heather
What is Wednesday's Child?

Wednesday's Child: Joey

Please check out Joey! He is so adorable... and he needs a home!

Wednesday's Child: Dalton

This is a very important new project I'm doing at KSPR-- I hope it changes lives! PLEASE DOUBLECLICK ON IT BECAUSE IT PLAYS WEIRD HERE!

Meet Dalton, an intelligent, energetic and determined young boy with a charming smile!

This all-American boy loves sports, especially football and basketball. Playing outside is another thing he enjoys. Outside or inside, you will see Dalton playing with Star Wars toys, which are his favorite!

Dalton is in the second grade and does well academically. He is very smart and is especially talented at reading.

Dalton currently benefits from counseling, which will need to continue after placement.

Dalton’s caseworker prefers a two-parent family for him; however, all family types will be considered. A loving, structured home environment would be the most beneficial for this young boy.

In the future, Dalton wishes to maintain contact with his siblings. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. Call The Adoption Exchange for more information at 1-800-554-2222.