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/.

Meciah, Diamiere & Alayna

Age: 11-14

Meciah

"Hi, I'm Meciah. I like doing nails and hair and makeup. I think I'll be a cosmetologist some day. I like to play basketball. And I like music a lot. I like to sing and I play the piano a little bit.

If I were to describe my brother, I would say Diamere is so sweet and so, so polite. And just look at his eyes and his face, he's so gorgeous! He's just kissable. He's adorable.

And Alayna has a big head and a big smile and she does these crazy voices. She's pretty. She has no manners, but I even like that. She's funny.

I would like to go places together with a family, like Sea World. We've never even been there."

Meciah loves basketball and shows an aptitude in this sport. Shooting hoops with a parent or extended family member would be wonderful. Meciah has also achieved success in areas of exercise and nutrition. Let her share her knowledge when it comes to grocery choices and family food preparation. She has reversed a trend towards pre-diabetes through good food choices and exercise. Her interest in clothing, style and color are positives that should be encouraged further. Parents who make good nutrition and activity enjoyable would be such a plus with Meciah and her siblings.

Diamiere

"My favorite subjects are science and art. I like to work out or play basketball or hang out with my friends. I like sports--soccer and football and basketball. I would like to play in the NFL when I grow up...the Cowboys or the Saints.

I like dogs and cats. I might like to have a pit bull again some day. We had nine pit bulls at one time. Our dog was very protective.

I like Alayna because she's funny and she has a good sense of humor. She sticks up for me, even though I don't want her to sometimes. She pretty much saves me in big situations. When I was about five, I was scared to walk down the hall to the bathroom. I used to wake Alayna or Meciah up and have them walk me to the bathroom, even though their room was farther away than mine.

I like Meciah because she helps us a lot, does what big sisters are supposed to do, helps us when we're sad. If somebody were interested in my sister, I would tell them they better be good to her. And don't mess with my sister or I might have to kick them around a little bit (laughing). I'm a little overprotective.

We want to live together and have a nice family that's caring and involved in our sports -- goes to our games. I don't really care if our family is our race. I wouldn't have a problem with a multicultural family. It's more important what their personality is. Maybe a large family, one that actually cares about us and the people in our other family…like letting us have contact with our grandma and wouldn't say like 'you have 5 more minutes with your grandma.'"

Diamiere is the peacemaker of the family. His generous spirit is an endearing quality that his siblings appreciate, and you will too! He looks forward to parents who share his love of sports, go to games or watch them on TV, and who show up at their kids' games.

Alayna

"I might like to be a singer when I grow up, or maybe a model or acting. My favorite subject in school is social studies. We are studying colonies in school.

I like Meciah because she gives me very good compliments and she's nice to me. She takes care of my brother and me. That's what sisters are supposed to do. They're not supposed to throw you in the garbage truck (laughing)! I like Diamiere. He's not mean to me. He lets me play with a lot his stuff that he doesn't really want anyone to touch.

I've never been to Disney World. I'd like to go there with my family. I would like to have a family with our complexion."

Alayna is the playful, humorist in the family. Her tendency to be blunt and even oppositional can be softened by people who play to her strengths. Finding her own unique interests in music, plays, sports, etc. and being generous with one-on-one time will go a long way towards encouraging good choices. Alayna can become easily bored, so having varied activities, short study times and built-in rewards will be important.

These active children are ready to join an adoptive family, though that may present unique challenges for each child. Are you a parent that's not afraid to set boundaries and understands the bond as well as the rivalry between siblings? Do you have exceptional skills or experience working with youth?

The children's adoption team is looking for folks who understand how to work with a teenager who had to assume the caretaker role for her siblings or shared that with her father. Meciah needs and usually wants the freedom to explore teenaged pursuits and relinquish that "in-charge" role to trusted adults. And Alayna and Diamiere need a calm, safe environment in which adults make them a priority in their lives.

Each of these children has distinct interests and needs, though they all share an enjoyment of music, sports and southern food. Currently, they are living in separate homes. They need a family with parents who are not hesitant to set boundaries and reinforce them in a way that assures fairness and positive regard. According to their caseworker, they don't do well with authority figures that want to do a lot of lecturing. When a line is crossed, draw attention to the rule and then move on. Come back to it later, especially to reinforce positive behavior or when negotiation is necessary. The children respond well to people that reward improvements and good choices.

Each of the children missed a lot of school. They need educational allies who recognize their high intelligence and will help them catch up with their grade level. They have so much potential to excel in this area!

Caseworkers will be looking closely at home studies that reflect an ability and intention to access multiple community resources and professional counseling as it is needed. Family counseling would be an asset while facing the challenge of transitioning these children from separate families into one that can meet their individual needs.

Each of the children has indicated a desire to stay connected with their grandmother and extended family, as well as with foster family members. They were also enthusiastic in their desire that a family take them to entertainment places they've never experienced, like Disney World or Disneyland. They have lived in Virginia and Florida and would like to return, as well as travel to new places. Their resilient natures, exuberance and courage are qualities that their adoptive parents can rely on as they face complex transitions ahead. For a family that's up for those challenges, these children have so much to offer!

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Meciah, Diamiere & Alayna, 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: 30439.

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