A Child is Waiting: Math-Loving Kemiya Hopes for a Forever Family

By Honey Murray for MediaNews Group

Though many teens wince when it is time for math class and math homework, sixteen-year-old Kemiya smiles her warm, trademark smile and looks forward to those assignments.

“I want people to know that I am caring, smart and good at math,” she says. “I am proud of how well I do in school.”

“Kemiya would go to school seven days a week if she could,” states one of her workers. “She even does math worksheets for fun!”

“Kemiya is sweet and very caring,” her worker says. “She always gives me a big hug every time she sees me.

“She is typically a very happy teen. She loves to spend quality time with people whom she trusts and enjoys many activities, including swimming, going on roller coasters and playing Uno. I think we’ve played Uno every time we’ve been together – and she cracks up when I have to skip a turn or pick up extra cards.

“Kemiya,” she continues, “is incredibly sweet, affectionate and funny…She easily brightens everyone’s day with her smile, positive attitude and enthusiasm.”

After school, Kemiya enjoys playing basketball, swimming, and being with friends.

She describes her perfect day as one that would start with going to school. For lunch, she would have Chinese food.

“After school on the perfect day, I would want to ride roller coasters for hours and eat candy,” she grins. “For dinner, I would have pizza and then watch a funny movie…”

“Kemiya would do best with two experienced parents in a home where she is the youngest or only child,” her worker says. “She needs a patient and understanding forever family who can provide consistency and routine as well as positive reinforcement. Kemiya has some emotional, cognitive and learning impairments. Her new parents must be strong advocates for the services that will help her function at her best.

“Kemiya really wants a mother in her life to play games with and to go shopping together, and she would love to live in a house with a family of her own.”

To Kemiya, the word “family” means “people that are going to be there for me, care about me and love me.”

“I would like to play basketball, go swimming, play Uno and watch TV together, with my family,” Kemiya shares, “but would be most excited about having people who will always support me,”

For more in formation about adoption, fostering or being a mentor, please contact Orchards Children’s Services of Southfield at 855-694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.