DALLAS — The Dallas-Fort Worth community has two opportunities to help today's Wednesday's Child 17-year-old James.
James says he wants to be adopted before he turns 18, and he also has a message for his long-lost sister.
An aspiring veterinarian, WFAA spent the day with James at the Dallas Zoo. He fed the giraffes, enjoyed watching the lions, and played with the penguins.
Strong family bonds and incredible resilience are two characteristics James has in common with penguins.
"I want to become a veterinarian. I love animals and that's why I came here because I love animals," he said.
James also loves all that he has to offer the world. He told WFAA he's filled with smiles, laughter, goofiness and courage.
He's leaned on that courage to help him withstand 10 years in and out of foster care.
"My calm place is when I just sit down and imagine myself by a little creek with a little wind and a big ole cherry blossom tree with leaves falling from it," he said.
James yearns for a forever family who will help him with his anxiety. He says it doesn't matter what they look like or who they are as long as they are kind.
"I don't really care. I just want a family that will really adopt me. It can be a mom, two moms, or two dads. I just want two loving parents that can actually provide for me and just give me the home I never had."
James is a year away from aging out of foster care.
"I don't want to age out," he said emphatically.
He's praying for two miracles. He wants to be adopted before he turns 18 in December.
Secondly and most importantly, he wants to find his little sister.
"That's what I do every night. I pray for her. She's the one person I love. She's the only person I talk about. When I meet new people, I talk about my sister," he said filled with emotion.
James lost touch with his beloved sister when she was adopted, but he carries her with him wherever he goes. He wants her to know that wherever she might be.
If and when he finds her, James will feel unimaginable joy.
"I'm gonna cry and give her a hug. Give her a big hug," he said.
The hope of reuniting with his sister and finding an adoptive family keeps James going, filling him with a great sense of warmth and comfort.
If you are interested in adopting James, please Call EMPOWER – (833) 7FOSTER press * or email wednesdayschild@3empower.org. Please make sure to write James' name within the subject line.
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