Ten-year-old Shane is one of the most honest and reflective kids featured in an Adopt 8 success story. The appreciation he has for his mom will melt your heart. Meet Shane and his mom who hope their story will prompt other families to give the gift of family to the countless foster kids still waiting.
Shane says that he loves that his mom is kind, caring and loving. And, when they're together they play – sometimes soccer, board games or they read at night.
These are things many kids take for granted, but not Shane. This 10-year-old cherishes everything about the time he spends with his mom, because he knows how it feels to have no one to count on. He remembers that life before his mom was "not good."
Shane was seven when he was first placed in Lisa's care.
"I was really wild when I first came," he said.
He admits he was a challenge - a nightmare, in fact, on their first shopping trip for new clothes.
"I was rolling around, screaming, hiding in the clothes and now I just follow my mom," Shane explained.
"I used to drink soda every meal and giant pizzas," he continued. "And now, I'm a lot healthier, and I'm more cared for."
"We worked through a lot and Shane, and I have really worked hard both of us on healing his heart and giving him the opportunity so he can trust and love again and be open to feeling the love that so many people have for this little boy," Lisa added.
And while helping Shane heal his heart, he stole her heart.
"My intent was never to adopt. I am a teacher, and I saw the need for foster parents," said Lisa.
But Shane was Lisa's first foster child and her last. Unable to let him go, they made their mother-son bond permanent, through adoption.
"Shane is the light of my life, and he's wonderful and he means the world to me... so I think it's a two way street. I love him so much. I didn't know I could love somebody so much until Shane came into my life," Lisa explained.
Shane's transformation has been incredible. Once a special education student getting mostly F's, Shane is now in a gifted class for gifted learners who proudly brings home A's.
"I know sometimes with older children, people think, ‘Oh my goodness, they're set in their ways, and they're too old,' and they're not. They just are looking for love, and a home, a forever home and they can become anything they want to be," noted Lisa.
"Just give us a chance because, I wouldn't have ever dreamed of being who I am now," Shane said.
If you are interested in adopting from foster care or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U to learn more about getting started. The County of San Diego offers monthly orientation classes.
