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Indiana — Athanial spent 12 years in foster care, as his parents struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and could no longer care for him and his brother Levie. Sadly, the siblings were often separated in the system. 

When Mark and Kristine met the boys, they knew they were meant to be a family.  

“Athanial was my little buddy right from the get-go. He was doing everything he could to try to impress me. He was trying to show me how fast he could run,” Kristine shared with a laugh. 

However, the journey to becoming a family wasn’t easy. Unfortunately, Athanial wasn’t ready to be adopted at the same time as his brother. For years, the family supported Athanial as he worked through behaviors resulting from the trauma he had endured.  

“Athanial was in and out of our house a lot going to behavioral health centers.” Kristine said. “The first time he left, I was just beside myself.” 

“When a child is in a home and then taken from a home and then put back in a home, it’s hard. There’s no doubt about it. It does work though.” Mark said. “If you have patience and love and a good support system and groups to help you, it works.” 

Although they were uncertain about what the future would hold, the family remained committed to Athanial. On several occasions, Mark and Kristine traveled three hours one way for a 15-minute visit.  

“I always promised him, no matter where he went, that mom and dad would always be there. We’re your go-to call.” Kristine said.  

“Keeping the faith and the desire to let him know that we’re still here was huge.” Mark added. 

With help from the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids^® program, Athanial was adopted at age 16. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter, Miranda, supported the family’s journey every step of the way.   

“Miranda connected well with Athanial. She listened to him, and I think he needed that.” Kristine said.  

Athanial felt like Miranda was someone he could trust. She was consistent. “Although she lived kind of far away, she still came all the way out to see me,” he said.  

Having the stability of a permanent home changed Athanial’s journey.  

“The fact that he is in a mainstream school, and he’s A/B honor roll too. We’re so excited and proud of him,” Kristine said.  

She added, “With the tough times come the good times.”  

Today, Athanial is enjoying making memories with his family, including their visits to Lake Michigan. And joining the soccer team — his first time playing a sport.  

One of the family’s favorite traditions is time spent around the dinner table.  

“Just being able to share your day … your ups and downs and your smiles and laughter together,” Mark said.  

“To me, adoption means to have a family.” Athanial said. “I feel really happy that I get to grow up in the same family as my brother.” 

If you have room in your home or in your heart, you can help a child, like Athanial, waiting for a family right now. Explore ways to get involved and join our caring community that makes stories like these possible.