Often, we fail to appreciate the profound impact of our parents and caregivers who raised us, particularly if we were fortunate enough to experience a nurturing upbringing. However, the remarkable story of this young boy serves as a poignant reminder that not everyone shares the same fortune. Meet Tim, a 13-year-old Texan who has spent his life within the foster care system. Now in his teenage years, all he yearns for is to be embraced as someone’s cherished son.
Tim entered foster care at the tender age of three, and for reasons unknown, he remains in the system a decade later. Seeking a loving family to call his own, Tim recently appeared on a local Dallas news program called Wednesday’s Child. In a testament to his desperation for adoption, his caseworker arranged for him to travel from another state solely to participate in the program. During the show, Tim expressed his heartfelt desire to find a family that would proudly claim him as their son.
Currently residing in a foster care residential treatment facility, Tim has been shuffled between numerous foster homes, never finding a permanent one. He assures others that he is well-behaved and poses no challenges for a prospective family.
“When I’m at home, I’m an angel,” Tim asserts, describing his impeccable conduct within the center.
The television broadcast showcased images of Tim from his younger years, including a snapshot taken at three years old when he first entered the system, and another at seven. Despite the passage of time, Tim’s striking blue eyes retain their radiance, though the newscaster noted a weariness that has settled upon them—an exhaustion borne from the constant upheaval and a deep yearning for a stable, affectionate home. Tim reveals that this restlessness often robs him of a peaceful night’s sleep.
“It’s like being in a prison without walls,” Tim metaphorically explains. “You may run, but where will you run to? There’s nowhere else to go but back to where you started.”
As mentioned earlier, all Tim longs for is a family who will love him unconditionally and never abandon him. He yearns for a family that will not only raise him until adulthood but will also be his lifelong support system. He searches for a place to belong, people to call his own.
“At the very least, I desire a loving mother and father,” he earnestly states.
In a mother, he seeks kindness, compassion, and understanding. He understands that mothers naturally worry about their children because of their deep love for them. Tim yearns to find a mother who will care for him with the same devotion he has witnessed on television or heard about from his classmates.
“Someone who will be attentive and concerned. Someone who may scold me at times (out of concern), but will always prioritize my well-being. Every time I walk through the door, she’ll ask how my day went,” he shares.
As for a father, Tim yearns for a figure who can become his personal role model. He envisions a father who will teach him the essence of manhood by playing catch with him. A father who can guide and inspire him.
“If I step outside, he’ll be there beside me. He’ll bring back a sense of normalcy,” Tim envisions.
Lastly, Tim dreams of having siblings within his family. He has spent a significant portion of his life feeling isolated. Having brothers and sisters to play with, mischievously explore life, and support one another’s growth would truly be a dream come true for Tim.
“Playing alone becomes a bit tiresome. Plus, you can learn so much from them,” he adds with a touch of longing in his voice.