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/.

Ashley

Age: 10

"My name is Ashley. I like to play with my friends on the playground at school. We play jump rope with two ropes spinning at once and the last jumper to not have the rope touch them wins. I like Math and reading and writing cursive.

I like to go to church with my foster family. I like Activity Day at Primary. I want a family that will take me to church with them. I also like to sing and to act. I was in Wizard of Oz and recently in Cinderella. The thing I like about being in plays is when you do a good job, people come up to you after and tell you how good you were, and I like that. I like to sing, too. My grandfather bought me a Karaoke machine last year for Christmas and I really loved it, but it got lost in storage. That made me very sad because it was something he knew I wanted. He saved for it and now it's gone, and so is he.

I hope my adoptive family lives in the country and has horses. If they live in the city, maybe they will like to go horseback riding sometimes. I love animals and hope to have a dog someday. Someday I want to be a veterinarian."

With soulful brown eyes and a quiet voice, you may have to lean towards Ashley to hear what she's saying, but you'll soon learn it's worth the listening. Adopted at age three by her grandparents, Ashley has been raised as an only child. Her grandmother died when she was five, and Ashley was then raised by her grandfather. She has many fond memories of the man who called her "Funny Bunny," taught her to dance to oldies tunes and "feel the music." He encouraged her love of acting and singing. He passed away in 2010. Since that time, Ashley has bravely been dealing with these devastating losses. With grief counseling, she is learning so much about the strength and resiliency that is inside her!

Ashley is a good student in her Charter school. She works hard for good grades, even though a few subjects are difficult for her. She likes school and loves to make new friends. She likes exercising with the Wii, writing in her journal and watching Hannah Montana.

Ashley enjoys visits with four half-siblings with whom she very much wants to maintain contact. After so many losses in her life, it would be wonderful if she were adopted by a family that will maintain connection with her past and the rich Hispanic culture she and her grandfather shared. Ashley wants a fun-loving couple with no children or with an older daughter who wants to be a big sister. That plan pleases her caseworkers, too.

This sweet-natured girl deserves parents who encourage, nurture and actively participate in her life. As you talk to Ashley, it becomes apparent that she has so much to share with a family that will match her loving nature and gentle ways.

Portrait by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about AJ, 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: 30427.

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