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/.

Ryan

Age: 16

"Hi. My name is Ryan. I have a hard time talking about myself, but I guess there are a few things that I want a potential adoptive family to know about me. First, I just want a family that will accept me for who I am. A family who will not judge me, who understands my identity, and supports and respects my ideas, feelings, and choices is important. I am pretty secure in who I am and value relationships with people that allow me to just be me. My goals for the future are to graduate from high school, take the summer off, and then begin college. I would like to be registered nurse and feel a passion for helping others. I would love to live in Hawaii, Florida, or California…. Anywhere warm! But if I could chose to live anywhere it would be San Francisco."

"I really enjoy just hanging out with my friends. I have two best friends, one guy and one girl. What I like about these friends is that I know that they are always there to listen to me, support me, and give me good advice. We like to hang out, play video games, walk around the mall, go out to eat, and just TALK! Something that I've never done before that I'd really like to do someday is to go skydiving!"

"Some other things I enjoy are riding horses, driving go-karts, writing stories, and listening to music. I would like to learn how to really dance. Ballroom dancing would be fun, but I would settle for just not looking like a dork on the dance floor!"

"I have a close relationship with my younger brother and his foster parents. They are important people that I would like to stay in contact with. I also have many other siblings, most of them younger, and it's important for me to know that they are all being taken care of and safe, and that I can always know where they are and talk to them, if possible."

"My favorite subject in school right now is Child Development. My least favorite is English. I like to write stories, but I hate having to write essays and have someone grade my work!"

"To me, the most important qualities parents can have are to be there for me no matter what, to be accepting, and to be supportive. I try to live my life in a positive way. It is important to me not to focus on the sad or depressing parts of life, but to be positive and happy as much as I can. I think I do a pretty good job of that, even though I've had a lot of disappointments and hurt in my life. I try to see the funny side of things, and to have a good sense of humor. One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Seuss, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." I also like this quote by Oscar Wilde, "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."

Ryan would do well with two dads, two moms, or a single parent who can support his choices in dating and socialization. A family who will help Ryan reach the goals he has set for himself, and be accepting of his lifestyle choices, values, and his developing sense of self is a must.

Ryan would love to have a family to do activities with such as camping, horseback riding, or just staying home playing games together, cooking, cleaning, taking walks, caring for pets, and any number of family activities. He mostly just wants a family to love and accept him, support him and guide him as he looks toward independence, and be there for him in years to come. If you think you meet the qualifications, and can be that someone 'who matters,' to Ryan, call the Careline today.

Portrait by Expressions by Aimee Photography

To find out more about Ryan, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30449.

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