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, Diamere & Alayna

Age: 13-16

For three boisterous, active siblings, the search is on to match their personalities and attitudes with an adoptive family. They love to tease each other and laugh together. Even when they are noisily wrestling each other to the ground, through shrieks of laughter, one can sense the love and emotional protection they afford each other. If you are a quiet, sedate couple that insists on strict order, these children wouldn't fit your family. If you value teens who work out their own compromises and learn by doing, you might be a perfect fit!

Meciah

"I'm more of an artist than an athlete, though I do like basketball and volleyball. This year at school I'm taking drama, concert choir and art. I like music a lot. I like to sing and I play the piano a little bit. This year I will be taking hip-hop dance lessons. ??I'm not picky about where I live or what my family might look like. The main thing is people who have a sense of fun. I don't often get depressed or sad. I do like to tease or joke to lighten things up.

I like Boise, but I've also lived in other cities. I would like a family that will help me stay connected with my brother and my sister.

The trait I like in my present foster mom, Joyce, is that she lets me know that she likes me and wants me. When I came back to Boise, she welcomed me and said, 'The family doesn't feel complete without you.' She's fair. She has a good sense of humor. She gives me choices and respect...that's really important. Like, you know when I'm getting mad because I tend to get a smart mouth. Joyce gives me time alone to think things over. If I'm getting angry, I go to my room and that helps me calm down and think things through. I like to have a say in my life. I would like to be listened to and have someone advise me, but don't take away all my choices and expect me to do everything your way."

According to Meciah's adoption worker, this young woman has survived disappointments and losses with determination and courage. A beautiful girl with many talents, Meciah shows an aptitude for the arts; singing, dance, drawing and drama. She works hard to reverse a trend towards pre-diabetes through healthy food choices and exercise, although sometimes she needs gentle reminders. Meciah does well earning privileges and earning trust. She enjoys being able to have some freedoms and will do her best to show you she can be responsible. Her interest in clothing, style and shopping could be shared with a mom or a sister.

The location, wealth, composition or race of an adoptive or guardian family is less important to Meciah than the way they treat each other. For a family who cares more about how each member of the family feels--valued and loved for who they are rather than how they look to others--Meciah is ready to be a part of that scene. Her intelligence and caring heart will unlock and set free the anxieties she may have about truly being valued as your daughter. Please call the Idaho CareLine if you want to be a part of Meciah's world. You will be so glad you did!

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 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 not living together. 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.

Because they've missed a lot of school, these children 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 into one family 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 Cindy Sherman Photography

To find out more about Meciah, Diamere & Alayna, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30439.

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