By Bonnie Williams | Manager of Development
Grant had been involved with Kidsave for about a year when met Jesus at a cake-decorating ice-breaker event in the summer of 2016. These monthly Weekend Miracles events make it easier for adults to meet and begin to get to know Los Angeles County foster kids in need of permanent, loving families.
Jesus immediately captured Grant’s attention when they discovered they shared a love of football. They talked about Jesus’ favorite team -- the Seattle Seahawks, and Grant’s -- the USC Trojans, and the coach they had in common – Pete Carroll. It was clear that this kind-hearted, sweet teenager needed a family and was open to getting to know Grant. That launched a series of weekends activities together and by Thanksgiving they planned to spend the holidays together. Soon, they were matched for adoption. As Grant likes to say, “I got Jesus for Christmas” – as Jesus moved in on Dec. 23rd, 2016.
Grant is a single dad who now enjoys watching Jesus play on his high school’s football and track teams, traveling to Hawaii, New York, Dallas, San Francisco and Portland so far. He’s bonded with Jesus at sporting events, met other parents he’d never know otherwise, watched Jesus’ attempts to be humorous, and – most of all – watched Jesus mature into a young man and gain self-confidence. Grant says his own capacity for patience has increased and recognizes with a smile that, “[Jesus’] normal is not my normal.”
His advice to others who have decided to open their hearts and homes to a kid in need is, “Ask for help and accept it. There are lots of support systems for you to take advantage of.” Grant and Jesus will go to court to finalize the adoption on Sept .11 – just days before Jesus turns 18. And now, thanks to Grant and Kidsave, Jesus will have a legal family for the rest of his life.
An added bonus: Jesus and Grant live a few blocks away from another Weekend Miracles family, Steven and his son, Marcos. The boys met and became friends through Weekend Miracles and now attend the same school.
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