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/.

Atheena

Age: 12

"Hi, I'm Atheena, and I'm excited about going to sixth grade. I love so many things. I love to go to Roaring Springs, riding horses, spending time with my family, playing outside and playing with my friends. I also like to play the piano and would really like to take piano lessons. Adults say that I have musical talent and can play by ear (whatever that means!). I also like to play Xbox and soccer.

When I think about being adopted, I think about having a nice family and a safe family. Most important, I want a family that won't give up on me! I would like it if they had good food, celebrated special occasions, and let me go out to eat. I want a family with a mom and a dad, but I've been in families with single moms before, and that was ok, too. If I could pick any kind of mom, it would be someone I could have fun times together with, go to the mall with, and who would let me do chores to have an allowance. I want a dad that spends time with me (but not too much time), that's fun and clever and likes his kids. If we went on vacation, I hope it would be camping, because camping is one of my favorite things. I love animals and would love to have my own kitten or puppy.

I really enjoy writing, and write lots of stories about Werewolves. The Twilight Series are my favorite books, and I've seen the movie ten times! I like writing about other things too, and many people have told me that I'm a good writer.

Atheena has an exuberance for life that spills into everything she does. She is spunky, talkative, goofy, and enjoys being the center of attention. But sometimes Atheena's enthusiasm for life is used as a defense mechanism. She has had a lot of pain and loss in her young life, and she needs a family that understands how to help her face those issues head on so that she can heal and begin to form attachments in her new family.

Atheena's family will need to have firm boundaries, clear expectations, and experience with, or a willingness to learn about, parenting a child with issues related to bonding/attachment and abuse. Atheena is ready to give all she has to a family who will commit to her and hang in there with her through the rough spots. With the right family Atheena has the potential to blossom into a beautiful and healthy young woman, inside and out!

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Atheena, 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: 30321.

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