Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Caden

Age: 10

"Hi, my name is Caden. I love Mind Craft. I'm good at Legos, too. I saw Star Wars last week. It was amazing!

I'm good at Math and Science in school. I'm a good friend. I help them and hold them accountable about their choices.

I like to play sports, like basketball and football and soccer.

I like to go to McDonalds and I like pizza. I try to eat healthy foods and stay away from sugar. I have diabetes. I can test myself and I can figure out my units [of medication] when I know what I'm about to eat.

I like Boise State Broncos. I got to meet them and play video games with Jeremy McNichols. The players gave me a Broncos jersey with number 18 and a football and I tackled Chaz! It was a good day. I've never been to a BSU football game, but I hope I'll get to do that someday.

I like animals and I love horses. I have a stuffed horse named "Coco" who is always with me. It would be fun to live with a family that has lots of animals. Maybe we could even ride horses. I got to ride Alf and Mac when I was in Denver. I liked feeding them apples and vegetables."

Caden is a kind, imaginative, and passionate boy who loves all things Mindcraft! This includes making Mindcraft figurines. He also enjoys gardening, playing outside, and playing with remote control airplanes and cars. Caden has amazing focus when he's working on Mindcraft. He entertains himself well, but he also likes to have adults interact with him on his terms, especially when he's outside and observing nature. His interactions with adults seem at times superficial because of his vigilance about safety, so it will be crucial that his parent(s) are able to delay expectation of deep bonding until he has developed that ability. Knowledge of trauma-based healing will be so important!

Caden is smart and doing well scholastically in a small classroom that's attuned to his special needs. He has made progress at school and in therapy with expressing his emotions and connecting with care providers when he is feeling anxious. Because of post-trauma challenges, he needs parents who will approach parenting in ways that prepare him for unfamiliar or new situations. They will need to have an understanding of trauma healing as well as how to help Caden feel protected by trusted individuals at all times.

Recently diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, Caden is proud of his ability to turn down treats and to do the testing that's necessary throughout the day. He has learned many of the rules for keeping his blood glucose in acceptable ranges and knows when he needs a glucose supplement. His grasp of this is amazing, given the short time he's been on this regiment.

Caden needs caring one or two parent(s) who are committed to healthy eating, managing stress and providing a structured home environment--and fun--lots of fun! Caden has a playful side that was revealed when he was hanging out with the BSU players. He offered for each of them to shake hands (hooves?) with Coco, his constant companion. They seemed to sense that this was an honor bestowed by a boy who is wise beyond his years, but also younger than his chronological age. Currently living in a group facility, this tender child is a heart-stealer who inspires adults with his own brave heart. He is ready to transition into a loving and protective home. His parent(s) could help with that by visiting him and getting to know him in his group home. Perhaps it won't take very long before he introduces you to Coco!

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Caden, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30580.

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