Wednesday's Child Success Stories
Success Stories...
Finding Adoptive Homes for Children
A Perfect Fit for Bernadette
As a new mother, Bernadette Graham has her favorite moments. Especially when she hears her daughters, Jasmine and Myneshia, call her "Mom." As a single woman, Bernadette began watching Freddie Mac Foundation's Wednesday's Child eight years ago, with the idea that she might adopt someday. Eventually, she began the paperwork. "My plan was to adopt one child, until I saw 12 year-old Jasmine and nine-year-old Myneshia in October of 2005 and decided to go for two," recalls Bernadette. With her pre-adoption process complete, Bernadette was ready to meet the girls.
"My adoption recruiter arranged for us to meet at a restaurant, and we had a chance to get to know each other a little bit," says Bernadette. "After that, we each had to decide if we wanted to move toward becoming a family. Waiting to hear their decision was the longest week of my life!" The girls were willing, and eventually, Jasmine and Myneshia moved in with Bernadette. "Getting used to having their own space was an adjustment for them," said Bernadette, "but gradually, they both began making the rooms their own."
Today, Jasmine and Myneshia enjoy spending time with their mom, going to the mall, watching movies or having her help them with homework. It's the little, everyday things that are the best. "I would do this all over again," says Bernadette. "They belong with me. They fit right in my pocket."
Flying High – Jared's Story
Ten-year-old Jared wasn't sure he wanted to be adopted. So, he appeared on Wednesday's Child to help other foster kids find homes.
On Christmas Day 2002, Maureen and Dean Thomas sat watching Wednesday's Child on Fox11 in Los Angeles. "Seeing Jared was instant love," says Maureen. "My husband and I just sat on the couch grinning at each other all night, and the next day, I was on the phone at 9:01 a.m. saying, ‘I want this child.' "
Once Jared met Maureen and Dean and began spending weekends with them, it didn't take him long to decide he liked the idea of being adopted after all. By March 2003, Jared was home for good. Now, when asked to name the best thing about having a "forever family," he says simply, "Gosh, there are too many things to count."
Jared has advice for anyone thinking of adopting. "They should do it," he says, "because it helps kids feel better inside and gives them somebody they can look up to."