A Child is Waiting: Smiling Shamarr is an Athlete and a Gentleman

By Honey Murray for MediaNews Group

“I know people say this a lot,” his worker says, “but Shamarr’s smile really does light up a room: one hundred per cent! He’s a kind, warm-hearted, easy-going young man and great to be around.

“In spite of his past, he can still crack jokes and enjoy life. I’d say he has triumphed over his past. When he’s had a setback, he’ll bounce back and say, ‘Ok. This happened. What can we do now?’ I think that’s what he is most proud of: that he can voice and share that success.”

Seventeen-year-old Shamarr also has success with sports, which he loves.

“My favorite thing to do is play football, basketball, and bowl – and to watch TV, go out to eat, and travel. I play wide receiver. What I like about it is that it’s fun: I get to run out to catch the ball, and I get to do routes. And then my favorite thing about traveling is when I play football, I get to travel to different cities and stuff.

“Basketball is fun because there are a lot of people there, and I get the joy of playing and of people watching me, too, and being my fans,” he says with a wide, warm grin.

Shamarr enjoys school.

“I like going to my classes,” he says, “and learning in math and science. I want to go to college.

“My best friend says I am nice...I’m kind and helpful...and I’m intelligent, and I’ve got good manners. I’m a good person. If I had to pick one thing, it would be that I’m pretty cool and just fun to be around. I’m also respectful. People always seem to like me and want to be around me, so I think that says a lot.”

“Shamarr is eager to fit in with a forever family and build a lasting connection,” his worker says. “He dearly wants to be adopted more than anything – to be part of a family and contribute as a member.”

His worker states that Shamarr needs a family who would support him and his needs.

“This might look like taking extra time to talk him through certain experiences,” she explains. “Shamarr has had a difficult past, so a family who is understanding of certain triggers is important.

“He would fit best with an active family in an urban setting,” she continues, “which would be a perfect fit to match Shamarr’s passion and skill in sports.”

Shamarr shares what excites him most about being adopted.

“I would just like to have a good family...We would have family nights, go out to eat, go to church on Sundays and watch good movies and listen to music. It could be like a mom and dad, or just a mom, or just a dad.

“If I am adopted, I will finally be able to start fresh and a new life; I will be able to put my past behind me and make something new. I will be able to learn new things that they teach me. Family, to me, means people who are always there for you...They will work with you and talk with you...They are there to help and support me. And I can help them, too. When with them, everything just feels easy. I can just be comfortable being me.”

For more information about adoption, fostering, becoming a supportive adult, or mentoring, please contact Orchard’s Children’s Services at 855.694.7301.