A Child is Waiting: Joyful Jonathan's wish? A family of his own

By Honey Murray for Digital First Media

Thirteen-year-old Jonathan loves sports…all sports! In school, he participates in football, basketball and every physical education activity that is offered.

And he is crazy about music and dancing.

“The first thing he likes to do when I see him,” his worker says, “is to put on music and dance. Whenever there are ‘dance battles’ at his school, all the moms are amazed at what he does.”

“Jonathan is a sweet, sweet, normal kid who happens to have a lot of energy,” she says. “He easily makes friends with everyone around him and is the most lovable child.”

She chuckles as she relates a recent event they shared.

“I took him to a Lion’s game, which had been his dream. He was literally having the time of his life! He got to sprint on the field, and every second we were there, he was ecstatic.”

“He was having such a good time,” his worker continues, “that he didn’t even notice – or care – that the Lions were losing!”

“After the game, we went to McDonald’s. He opened the car door and started dancing in the parking lot. Other kids joined in, and their moms were watching and asking about him. Everyone loved the dancing, and soon Jonathan and the kids were surrounded by people cheering them on.”

“He was ‘in the moment,’” says his worker, “and truly enjoying it!”

Jonathan, who would someday like to work at an electronics store, is described by his workers as warm, respectful, responsive to boundaries and “wonderfully adaptable.”

“You don’t have to work hard to earn his trust,” says his worker. “He is very resilient! Although he’s been through a lot, he has the ability to fully attach in a healthy way. He easily connects with people about sports, music and dancing, and he has so much love to give.”

“Jonathan worries about not finding a family. Once, we saw a homeless person and Jonathan said, ‘That might be me someday if I don’t have a family.’ I told him, ‘Don’t worry. We will find the perfect family for you!’”

His workers recommend two experienced parents who are active and willing to support the activities and services that will help him continue to thrive.

“Jonathan’s ability to love is amazing,” his worker says. “He is a ball of love who wants to love a family.”

For more information about adoption or mentoring, contact Orchard’s Children’s Services of Southfield at 855-694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.