CORINTH, Texas — Editor's note: This story re-aired on Oct. 9, 2019.
For some kids, it can be hard to open up. That's not the case when it comes to 14-year-old Craig.
On a December afternoon, he got to sing at Antioch Christian Fellowship in Corinth. It's clear that when he’s performing, you’re seeing his whole heart. "I like to sing, I like to dance, I like to act…basically anything about the arts," he said.
He has big dreams of stardom, and his talent is obvious. "Most of the time I imagine myself on someone’s stage, like I’m performing at a SuperBowl or I’m getting Grammy’s or I’m winning something," said Craig.
But even with stars in his eyes, Craig is down to earth. He knows the value of hard work and an education. You quickly see his positive attitude, and it's remarkable. Like many artists, he’s experienced deep pain. Craig has spent all of his 14 years in foster care.
"When I think about stuff like that It’s kind of sad or just...I don’t think about it that much," he said. "I’d say it’s depressing."
But with a wisdom beyond his years, Craig knows every tough day or new home is teaching him something. It's making him stronger. "All those problems and struggles have gotten me to some of my achievements and some of my goals, and that’s just the start," he said.
What Craig wants is a life spent entertaining people. But it won’t be complete without a forever family in the front row, to be his number one fans.
"I want to be loved, that’s it. Well taken care of. It’s that simple," he said. "A family that would treat me like one of their own."
Imagine how Craig's heart and talent could grow even bigger with that support! "I just want to become a household name, so people won’t think of me as a foster child, they’ll think of me as 'Oh, that’s something great!'" said Craig.
What we and anyone who meets Craig knows is that he's already great.
Thank you to Antioch Christian Fellowship in Corinth and 2nd Adam Productions, including CEO Chericia Curtis and Songwriter Syleria Skinner for helping host Craig.
You must be licensed to adopt a child in Texas. To get the process started, contact LaQueena Warren at laqueena.warren@dfps.state.tx.us. You can call her at 817-304-1272.