BEDFORD, Texas — We have the story of a young lady who had to grow up way too fast. She has felt like an adult since she was 10 years old.
But Wednesday’s Child 16-year-old Tala, who likes to be called Renee, is filled with hope and determination for a bright future.
If Renee could paint a picture of her mind, she would tell you it's filled with action.
"I'm like the energizer bunny!" she said proudly.
WFAA met up with Renee at The Bedford Center YMCA, where she and Jose Balderas with the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth worked together to create portraits. Renee had a blast painting and talking.
She is never at a loss for words. In fact, Renee admits she's a “chatty Cathy.”
Renee is proud of herself for spreading love and positivity wherever she can.
"I want people to look at me and be like, ‘hey, that's something I want to strive to be like. I want to be happy like her all the time,’" she said.
Renee chooses happiness because her childhood has made her appreciate this moment.
"As a child I had to grow up really fast. I was in a home where I took care of my little cousins, like I was an adult before I was even like 10 years old," she said thoughtfully.
Renee treats today like a blank canvass.
"What I want a forever family to see in me… that I'm not just damaged or like broken on the inside. I want them to see like, ‘hey, she could actually be something else.’"
She doesn't want a picture-perfect family, just a family who's perfect for her.
"I want a family that can keep up with my energy. I'm very high energetic. I like moving around. I like being outside. I don't like staying in one place," she said smiling.
If you can picture yourself adopting an older child who needs patience and love, Renee is hoping you will consider her.
"I'm hoping someone will see this and want me as their daughter,” she said.
In an emotional moment, Renee expressed deep gratitude for the family who ends up adopting her.
"This is something I've needed for a really, really long time, and I wish I would have had it a really long time ago. But thank you for coming in when I needed you most,” said Renee.
If you are interested in adopting Renee, please contact Heart Gallery North Texas at 817-809-3440 or email hello@heartgallerynorthtexas.org. Please remember to include Renee's name and her legal name "Tala" within the subject line.