GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Phoenix is a smart and eccentric 14-year-old boy who has been in the foster system for four years following the death of his mother.
Though Phoenix misses her terribly and says no one can replace her, he’s desperate for a mother’s love and protection once again.
“Sometimes I feel like there’s an empty spot in me,” he says, hoping loving parents can fill that void.
Phoenix caught on quickly to all the activities at the MVP Athletic Club, excelling in a tennis lesson from one of the pros. It’s simple activities like that he would love to do with parents.
His yearning for a family comes after tragedy in 2009.
“My mother died and my father gave up his rights because he thought it was best for me,” he said.
It was a lesson for Phoenix on the importance of family.
“Before she died, I realized that I needed her,” he says “You don’t know how much you need them until they're gone.”
That need has grown over the years as Phoenix remains in the foster system waiting for a mom to take a chance on him.
“It would be very comforting to have a mom to talk to about my dreams and nightmares alike,” he says.
Phoenix says he would love a dad but isn’t quite sure what a father-son relationship is all about, "because I’ve never had a dad that cared for me,” he says.
Phoenix loves science, math and computers and would love parents who can teach him new things with kindness and understanding.
“Nothing’s perfect actually, not even a computer is perfect,” he says.
When Phoenix grows up, he wants to be an inventor and would love a family with a big back yard.
“I also like planting stuff, mainly carrots and pumpkins,” he says.
And as his months in the foster system have turned into years, Phoenix knows a loving family is out there for him, saying inspirational quotes help him get through the wait until his forever family finds him.
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself is impossible,” he says.
Adopting any child through the Michigan Foster System comes at absolutely no cost.
If you’re interested in adopting Phoenix or any other youth from the Michigan Foster System, call Orchards Children’s Services at 855-694-7301.
