Forever Family- Meet Harold

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - When I hear the name Harold I think of a gray haired 80 year old man sitting in a rocking chair on the porch, drinking lemonade while he smiles and talks about the “good ol’ years.”

While 11 year old Harold does not have gray hair and does not talk about the simpler times, I love the way his name encompasses so many of the qualities you would find when you think of the visual associated with the name “Harold.”

This young man came to our filming with a content and quiet demeanor. He demonstrated what a thoughtful and respectful old soul he had with everyone he encountered throughout the day. Harold consistently said “please and thank you.”

He always waited for others to lead the way before he acted. He would follow the staff quietly and would check with his worker to make sure he was doing the right thing or was where he needed to be. Harold went out of his way to show that he was mindful of others. He even waited for the the female staff to eat lunch before he made his own plate.

Harold was content to play or jump at the trampoline park independently and never asked for more than what was available nor did he seem anything other than extremely grateful. What I loved about him was how he fussed with his collar on his shirt.

Even though you could tell it was bothering him he never once complained or asked to change, even though his worker brought an extra shirt. He kept his collared shirt on, sat calmly and answered questions for his interview, even though his nervousness was evident.

My hope for this 11 year old is that he finds a home where he can sit on a rocking chair on the porch and drink lemonade with his forever family - where a family will appreciate his old soul and meet him where on those terms.

But at the same time, I know that there is a family out there that will also be able to challenge him to be a kid in the carefree way that he deserves. I want to hear about Harold playing so hard he rips his jeans at the knees, he laughs at silly jokes until soda sprays out if his nose and he doesn’t have to worry about keeping a collared shirt on just in the hope that a family will see him and notice what an incredible kid he is.

I hope someday soon he will find his home, I hope he can find hope and cling to it, and above all that he can be loved just for being Harold.

Ashley McKinley

Program Development Director

North Carolina Forever Families Coordinator

Seven Homes Inc

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