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/.

Zachary & Jonathan

Age: 5-6

Zachary and Jonathan are lovable buddies who enjoy each other's company almost all the time. Those who spend time with them are struck by how polite they are, how well they play together, and how they compromise when there are disagreements.

Zachary

"Hi, my name is Zachary. I like Math and Social Studies and P.E. We do toe touches and we run in the gym. I like to play tag with Bubba (Jonathan). He makes me laugh when he tickles me!

I like Thomas the Train. I watch him on TV and in the movie. I like my new foster mom because she lets us play and do lots of things every day. She gives me hugs too!"

Because of a degenerative eye disease, Zachary is likely to experience significant loss of vision into his teen and adult years. He will need a supportive adoptive family that is well-tuned to his needs. The ideal family will encourage his comfortable bond with his brother. The boys need a whole family approach to adjusting to differing abilities. Hopefully everyone will get involved with early learning, preparation and service access that will ease Zachary's adjustment as his vision recedes.

Jonathan

"I'm Jonathan. I like Dora the Explorer. She finds things that I watch. I like monster trucks and playing with cars.

Zach is my brother. I call him Bubba. He's nice to me and he tickles me. We like our foster mom because she cooks good food. She fixes spaghetti and I like that!!

I go to preschool and I be nice to everyone else. I like to color and do ABCs and do everything that I want to."

Jonathan is an energetic boy who loves hanging out with his brother, playing with cars and trucks, and burning lots of energy. Like his brother, he loves to work creatively with building-type toys. A Thomas the Train wooden railroad set can keep both of the boys quietly engrossed in laying track and gliding to imaginary destinations for hours at a time.

Both of the boys are enthusiastic about school and learning. Zachary will need an IEP (Individual Educational Program) to address learning delays and possible learning disability. He needs parent advocates who know how to work as a team with the school. If the entire family could be involved in learning and using Braille together with the boys, Zachary might feel less isolated as his vision changes. He may need parental support and service access into adulthood.

These engaging brothers are a joyful study in the finer points of "Bubba" love. It's an asset they will bring to one certain family; one that can match their warm giggles with humor, patience and thoughtful planning for the future.

Portrait by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Zachary and Jonathan, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30423.

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