Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Autumn & Andrew

Age: 13-16

Autumn and Andrew have musical tastes and talents that are as similar as chalk and cheese, but both agree--music expresses who they are and often what they are feeling. They are excited about joining a two-parent family that will welcome them and share their lives. If your family finds high value in artistic self-expression, you may be the folks these intelligent siblings are waiting to meet.

Autumn

"A few things about me: I'm big on music, coffee, photography, abstract art and music. I like to play the guitar. It's hard to explain, but music is my life-it's my passion. It's something that's a way to get away, to express feelings. It's always been important to me. I used to just mess with the guitar a lot. I play mostly by ear. Then my new foster mom asked if I wanted to take lessons. I take them every Tuesday and it's hard, but I love it. Some day I might like to play in a band.

I would like parents who are cool and respect me. I would definitely respect them. I hope they understand me and give me a chance...won't make assumptions. Like, if I'm busy with activities with my friends, don't assume that I don't like or need my family. I look forward to doing things with a mom like going shopping, go to an amusement park or going to the movies. It would be fun to play music together or go take pictures together. I want her to be a friend, but a mom.

I might like having a father who shares my love of music, art or photography. I haven't had a strong male trust figure in my life. It might take time to get used to that, but if he can understand me, that would be great. If he could relate to me and get to my level--not be on a power trip, I would like to have a relationship based on trust. I was really close to my uncle. We shared a love of music and we did a lot together, so I know how great that can be.

My brother and I haven't always talked a lot with each other, but as we're getting older, it's better. We would like to be together in a family. We might also like our younger brother, Alec, to join us in that family or be able to visit and stay in touch with him if he's in another family. I want to see that he's safe and happy. I would describe Alec as hyper and really sweet. I was crying the other day, and he came in and said, "What's wrong?' and tried to make me laugh.

I look forward to driving, which I can't do while I'm in foster care. I would run errands for my mom. It would be wonderful. I can't even imagine what that would be like. I can't even see myself driving, but I hope I can one day.

I would love to live in a larger city in another state, like California or New Mexico, Oregon or someplace metropolitan...of course with lots of music and art. It's just that city vibe...the activities and the tall buildings and meeting lots of people. I'm at home in a big city."

Andrew

"I want to learn to play classical music on the piano and I'm taking lessons. I play by ear and some people say that's such a great gift, but it's just something I do. Like Autumn, I feel that music is something that's very important and expressive of who I am and how I feel. In the future, I'd like to get a degree in Psychology because I want to be a PSR [Psychosocial Rehabilitation] worker.

I care about my sister, Autumn, and want to stay with her. She's pretty strong and she's been through a lot. I'm surprised that she's still standing. I look up to her.

I would like a family that accepts me and is strict...not super strict, but nice, and won't let me down. When I'm feeling down or having a bad day, they would try to make me laugh and tell me that it's going to be O.K.

When I think of some things I've never done that I might like to do...I've never been on an airplane. I'd really like to do that and see how it feels. I've never been on a cruise. I know it can be expensive, but I'd like to do that someday. A lot of my friends have been and they really enjoyed it.

One thing that's most important to me is I want a traditional mom and a dad. And both of us want to live in a city. We can't see ourselves on a farm feeding chickens. I might like Florida...you know, beautiful sunsets, or Oregon, like Portland or Seattle. Most of all, I'd like to live in a city with lots of things to do."

Autumn and Andrew's adoption team will be looking for a couple or single parent that pretty closely fits the desires of this remarkably polite brother and sister. Does the family have an ability to assist them in catching up to grade level? For many years they were home schooled with inadequate attention to curriculum or goals. They need educational advocates who will encourage them as they do much catching up. They are very intelligent kids and have already made significant progress. Both are getting good grades.

Other important family traits would be people who value good nutrition and an active lifestyle. Will that family set reasonable and consistent boundaries without being heavy-handed or sarcastic? Will the parents calmly hold their ground when safety and reasonable requests are in play? Both Autumn and Andrew respond to mutual respect and good communication amongst family members. Both need humor to draw them out during difficult times. They have experienced huge losses and need the support of parents who empathize and negotiate, without being a push-over. They also need parents who, when requested, give them space to work through sadness.

Autumn and Andrew are smart, talented teenagers who are ready to love and be loved by a family that shares their interests. They look forward to sharing many new experiences, travels and activities with their adoptive family.

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Autumn & Andrew, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30445.

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