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My life started off very challenging. At just 2 years old, I was placed into foster care. I don’t know much about my biological parents since it was a sealed adoption — meaning the records of my birth parents were kept private, and I’m not able to find out much about them.

I bounced around from family to family in the Texas foster care system. It was really hard to attach to adults. I had a problem trusting those around me, and I found myself isolated, lonely and disconnected from people.

At 7 years old, I was adopted for the first time. This adoption went sour when the mother who adopted me got pregnant and later, began treating her biological child much better than me. This progressed to emotional and physical abuse, and the father was never home. It was a tough situation for me that lasted three long and painful years.

She eventually was arrested. I ended up back in the foster care system.

When I was 12 years old, I finally was adopted by a couple who had heard that I was waiting for a family. They sent me a letter and some pictures of what a family looks like and asked if I would enjoy a visit from them. I said that I would. They came to visit and asked me the special question if I would like to be adopted … I said yes.

Growing up, my parents were international missionaries, and I saw, firsthand, that they believed in serving and helping others. I was adopted out of pure love and compassion, and I’m so grateful for that.

Rich (middle) with his father and mother who adopted him at 12 years old

Like anyone, my life is marked with special places that carry significant memories. For me, Wendy’s holds a cherished place in my story because it was one of my mother’s favorites.  I can remember my mom often taking us there. She would order her chicken salad, and I’d order the Dave’s Double with a Frosty^®, and I would see Dave Thomas posters. My mom would always point to him saying, “this man inspired me to adopt you.”

As I’d look at his photo, it reminded me of a father or grandpa figure I’d never had. That always made me feel welcome. Anytime I saw his picture, his smile and his warming aura, it made me feel at home. 

Right now, as you read this, there are so many kids still in the foster care system or about to be placed into it. They may be going through the things that I did or worse. I want people to know that kids in foster care are resilient, and they learn to find a strength that most other kids can’t find. They also find optimism, hope and perseverance. They look for ways to be innovative and often become leaders because they utilize their experience to propel themselves to successful achievements.

I wanted to share my story of foster care adoption and the role Wendy’s played because it’s woven deep into my personal journey. Wendy’s serves more than just fast and tasty food — because of its commitment to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, forever families are being formed and lives are changed every day.

Thank you, Rich, for sharing your story and the impact of Wendy’s support of the Foundation’s mission.

Do you have a personal connection to adoption? We welcome you to  share your story  and why our work is important to you. Together, we can help more young people waiting for a family right now.