For most of us, the idea of family is a given—something we don’t often question or even think twice about. But for Tim, a 13-year-old boy who has spent nearly his entire life in foster care, family is a dream he has been chasing for a decade. His story isn’t just about longing; it’s about survival in a system that has yet to offer him the stability and love he craves.
Tim’s heartfelt plea is both simple and profound: he wants a chance to be someone’s son. Featured on Wednesday’s Child, a program highlighting children in need of adoption, Tim’s words carried the weight of years spent navigating uncertainty. His message was clear—a loving home isn’t just something he desires; it’s the freedom he’s never known.
Lost in the System: A Decade Without Roots
Tim entered foster care at just three years old, and in the decade since, he’s experienced an endless cycle of temporary placements. Now 13, he lives in a residential treatment center, a space that offers structure but little of the love and connection he craves. Each move feels like starting over, leaving Tim without a sense of stability or belonging.
To Tim, foster care feels like “a prison without walls,” a poignant metaphor that captures his reality. He explains how running away is futile when there’s nowhere to go, no family to run toward. This endless uncertainty has taken a toll, robbing him of restful nights and dimming the bright blue eyes that once shone with childhood innocence. Every placement reminds him of what’s missing—a home where he feels safe, wanted, and loved.
Despite everything, Tim hasn’t lost hope. He longs for adoption not just as an escape from the system, but as a chance to find something he’s never had: a family who will love him unconditionally. For Tim, being someone’s son isn’t just a dream—it’s the key to a life where he can finally put down roots and simply be a kid.
A Public Plea for Belonging
Tim’s story caught the attention of Wednesday’s Child, a program dedicated to helping foster children find permanent homes. In an extraordinary effort, his caseworker arranged for him to travel across the state to appear on the Dallas-based show. It was a rare opportunity for Tim to share his story with the hope that someone, somewhere, might see the boy behind the headlines and offer him the family he dreams of.
During his segment, Tim spoke with striking honesty about his longing for a home. “At home, I am an angel. Perfect,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of hope and exhaustion. He’s tired of the instability and the constant feeling of being unwanted. His caseworker shared a photo of him at seven years old, a time when his big blue eyes radiated curiosity and optimism. Now, years later, those same eyes reflect the toll of waiting too long for something as simple—and as profound—as love.
His plea was clear and heartbreakingly simple: Tim wants to be someone’s son. A family to him isn’t just about a roof over his head; it’s about trust, consistency, and the freedom to grow without fear of abandonment. With each word, Tim’s vulnerability shone through, leaving little doubt about the life-changing power of a loving home.
What Family Means to Tim
For Tim, family isn’t just a comforting idea—it’s the missing piece of his life. He dreams of a mother who cares deeply, someone who worries about him and always checks in. “Someone that cares, who’s always worried. I may seem embarrassed sometimes (by her worrying) but she’ll still be wondering if I’m OK. She’ll ask how my day is every time I walk through the door,” Tim said, describing the kind of connection he yearns for.
In a father, Tim imagines a hero, someone who can guide him and provide a sense of normalcy. “If I go outside, he’ll go outside with me. He’ll give me some normalcy,” he said, his voice revealing both hope and determination. Tim longs for a father figure who will not only teach him about life but also show him what it means to feel safe and supported.
Tim also dreams of having siblings—brothers or sisters to laugh with, learn from, and share his life. “Kind of gets boring playing by yourself,” he admitted with a small smile. To him, siblings would mean connection and companionship, a chance to be part of something larger than himself. For Tim, family isn’t just about people; it’s about trust, stability, and the freedom to finally belong.
The True Freedom of Being Someone’s Son
For Tim, adoption isn’t just about finding a home—it’s about reclaiming a sense of freedom he’s never truly known. “Freedom. Freedom to go out the door when I want and them not worrying about me coming back or not, because they know they can trust me,” he said, describing what having a family would mean to him. For a boy who has spent most of his life in the structured confines of foster care, freedom isn’t just physical—it’s emotional.
Currently, Tim’s life is shaped by rules and routines, often dictated by his placements in foster care. He explains that this rigid environment leaves little room for trust, both given and received. Adoption, to him, symbolizes the chance to escape that cycle. It’s not just about being free to explore the world, but also about being free to grow into himself without fear of rejection or uncertainty.
With a family, Tim imagines a life where trust is mutual and unconditional. It’s about knowing that his worth isn’t tied to how long he stays in one place but to the love and acceptance he receives. For Tim, being someone’s son is about far more than belonging—it’s about finally being free to just be a kid.
A Family’s Power to Rewrite a Life
Tim’s story isn’t just about a boy waiting for adoption—it’s a reminder of the resilience it takes to keep hoping after years of uncertainty. For Tim, the dream of a family isn’t about luxury or grand gestures. It’s about the little things: a mother who asks how his day went, a father who teaches him life lessons, and siblings to share laughter and companionship. These aren’t just wishes—they’re his vision of freedom.
“Freedom. Freedom to go out the door when I want and them not worrying about me coming back or not, because they know they can trust me,” Tim said, his words carrying the weight of someone who has spent too long without stability. For him, being someone’s son means more than just a roof over his head—it’s the chance to feel safe, valued, and truly seen for who he is.
A family has the power to give Tim more than a home—it can give him a future filled with possibility. It’s not just about providing stability; it’s about showing him that love and trust are things he can count on. For Tim, having a family would mean finally belonging, not just to a household but to a life where he can grow, thrive, and dream without limits.
