GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Even though Joshua considers himself a smart young boy, don’t be surprised if he requests brain food for supper. When he’s asked what he’s most proud of and the most important thing people should know about him, Joshua says, “I am smart. Yet if he had three wishes, he’d use one to be even smarter.
And if pizza is brain food, no wonder Joshua has scholarly thoughts at such an early age since the crusty, cheesy chow is his favorite dish.
This wanna-be-boy-genius smartens up in school by enjoying his favorite subjects, math and science. Joshua gets wiser still by reading about inventions, his favorite after-school activity. Joshua is inventive himself and enjoys playing with blocks with the help of his friends. He also wants people to know that he’s a good speller.
When he’s not working out his brain, Joshua exercises his body. “Joshua loves going to the park and playing outdoors,” says one of his workers. He likes playing basketball and football and dreams of becoming a champion at the sport. Joshua enjoys being playful and likes going to the gym.
If Joshua could visit anywhere in the world, he’d want to travel to New York City because the Big Apple has – in his words – “a lot of stuff there.” This loving, outgoing boy wants a future forever family so they can get along and play nice together.
When he first meets people, Joshua tends to be quite shy, but he opens up and can be playful and friendly. His current caregiver agrees with those two sides of Joshua's personality. His caregiver says he “has a sweet, loving side and loves to get one-on-one attention. But there are times he wants to be left alone to do his own thing.”
Joshua would do best with two experienced parents who are trauma informed. His new parents must be able to provide strong supervision, structure and a daily routine. In addition, Joshua would benefit from a patient family who provides love, stability and guidance. Joshua also will need strong advocates for the services that will help him thrive. Joshua also would do best as the youngest child in his forever family. Finally, Joshua's new family must be open to letting him maintain important relationships in his life, especially with his sister Shania.
For more information call 1-800-589-MARE (6273) or visit: www.mare.org.
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