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: 11

"Hi, I'm Atheena, and I'm excited about going to fifth 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. 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. If they have a barn, I want to do chores outside, but not mowing the lawn! 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 want a family who lives in the country, but the city would also be okay. I love animals and would love to have my own kitten. I like families who go to church and will take me to church with them."

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. With the right family, Atheena has the potential to blossom into a beautiful and healthy young woman, inside and out!

Portrait by ShadowLight Studios Photography

To find out more about Atheena, call the Idaho CareLine number, 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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