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/.

Isaiah & Patrick

Age: 8-11

Isaiah

"I'm Isaiah. I like video games, but I'd usually rather play with my toys. My Star Wars and LEGO toys are my favorites. I don't really like to read because I have to turn so many pages, but if I could read a book about Star Wars, I would probably like that.

My favorite subject in school is science. I like to learn about the earth, and I just learned about the planets. I usually get an A+ in science. I got my sister's crystal rocks for Christmas so it would be like a science experiment for them. My next favorite subject in school is math because I'm pretty good at it. Social studies would probably be my third favorite subject.

I'm the oldest of my family. I have two sisters living in an adoptive family and Patrick. I like being the oldest, but I might like living with a teenager that helps me and shares things with me. I also like animals and get to live with a lot of them right now. My favorite is a cat.

I would like to live with a family that will take care of me by fixing food, playing games with me, buying me things that I need sometimes, and knowing what I need."

Isaiah's adoption worker says he reminds her of "a thirty- year-old going on ten." He has a studious manner and a cute sense of humor. His impeccable manners, courage and love for his brother are attractive traits. Isaiah's influence has been good for Patrick, especially as he demonstrates a desire for learning and respect for caregivers.

Patrick

"My name is Patrick. I'm a really nice kid! I'm good at lots of things, and I can do handstands and 'the worm'. My favorite things to do indoors are video games first, LEGOS second, and art projects third. Isaiah and I really like playing video games together, but playing with my toys with Isaiah is also fun. I also like to play outside and would like to be able to play basketball.

I like to talk, and I have really good manners that I learned in school. In school, my favorite subject is math. I try to get an A+, and I am pretty good at it. I'm also good at drawing cars and making them out of paper during art.

I really like my new digital camera, and I would like to take pictures of everyone in my new family when I get one. I also want to take pictures of my sisters because I like them a lot. I would also take pictures of animals because I like animals a lot and wouldn't mind having some dogs or cats. I really like the Spiderman movies a lot, especially Number 3 because I like when he turns black. I even have a Spiderman action figure.

I want a mom and a dad who will be really nice to me and like me a lot. I would also like it if they would play with my toys with me and watch movies. I want a mom and a dad who will let me see my sisters because right now, I get to stay the night with them sometimes, and I have a lot of fun. They have a giant boombox and High School Musical 2, and they share their toys with me. It would be fun if I could still see them. I also want to live with Isaiah because we have a lot of fun together."

Because Isaiah and Patrick have seen more hard times than any child should experience, they need a mom and a dad who understand the challenges left in the wake of that history. These boys deserve parents who are inherently wise, patient and emotionally secure. They've thrived in a foster home with strong boundaries and a structured environment. Clarity of communication has helped them understand rules and find comfort in reliable routines. They're now ready for wider opportunities to experience their world. Organized sports and community activities such as Scouting and 4H are ways they could continue to build confidence. Family vacations and recreation in outdoor areas are joys one lucky family will enjoy introducing them to.

Isaiah and Patrick could be the only children in the family. They would also do well with teen siblings who are not competitive about a parent's attention. The boys could learn social skills from older family members. Teaching moments could occur regarding how other people's actions affect feelings and vice versa. These are concepts the boys are learning.

An adoption committee will be looking for folks who understand the background these brothers came from and recognize how much progress they've made. It will take two parents working as a team to ensure educational and emotional progress continues. This will be accomplished through Individual Educational Plans (IEP), counseling, psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), and medication management. That will take a firm commitment to the many appointments that go with these services.

As they enjoy discoveries through travel and family activities, Isaiah and Patrick will amaze you with their emotional growth. Don't expect overnight miracles. Coping behaviors that helped them survive will have to be honed for ones that offer greater security and feelings of belonging.

Isaiah and Patrick want frequent visits and contact with their two sisters living in Southwestern Idaho. The girls' adoptive family looks forward to sleepovers, shared vacations or other opportunities for these children to remain in close contact.

To find out more about Isaiah & Patrick, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30301.

Portraits by Becky Thompson Photography

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