The inspirational story of one young boy who had to beg for a parent.
Davion Navar Henry Only, a 15-year-old orphan who has spent his entire life in foster care, said the following to more than 300 people at Florida St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church:
“I’ll take anyone. Old or young, dad or mom, black, white, purple. I don’t care. And I would be really appreciative. The best I could be.”
Desperation, fear, determination – imagine the range of emotions Davion must have felt as he bravely opened his heart to the congregation. According the Washington Times, Davion was born while his mother was in jail for charges relating to petty theft and cocaine. He struggled, as many young boys certainly would given his life circumstances, but upon hearing of his mother’s death last year he made drastic changes to his life that included attending summer school, receiving all A’s except in geometry, and losing 40 pounds.
“So far, several families have come forward and shown interest in adopting Davion, but none has actually started the adoption process. Eckerd, the adoption agency handling Davion’s case, released a statement regarding the interest in the young man’s story”:
‘Eckerd has received more than 300 phone calls, e-mails and inquiries from across the world about Davion’s story. People are interested in adopting Davion, providing other opportunities for him….’
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free
–Photo: wanderinghome/Flickr
Jessica – I only watched the first season of Once, but I actually did not see the step-parent relationship as a negative one overall. If anything I think it dulled that stereotype that was out there. I personally don’t know if I want to raise any children, but I’d whole-heartedly consider adopting. I can understand some increased connection especially for a woman who has had that child inside her for 9 months, but I don’t personally think I would have any more connection to a child that was genetically mine. What do I care if my children have some same… Read more »
I’m probably about to insult people, but these are my feelings on the matter: Is everyone familiar with the saying “life imitates art”? Right now, we have at least three shows on television telling us how evil step, adoptive, and foster parents are. And, as we all “know”, adopting a child just “isn’t the same” as having your “own”. I apologized to my mom for not occupying her body for nine months, and instead becoming her daughter at nine years old when she married my dad. She and I simply can’t enjoy that special something that bonds a mother to… Read more »
The real quote is
“The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”
When I saw this story yesterday I just cried and cried. I’m in another state so my adopting him is not feasible, but someone better. It occurred to me that there are children like him everywhere, so I hope that others who saw this story and were touched are considering finding out if they may be able to adopt or foster as I am. Maybe this brave boy will inspire help for more than just himself.
Veronica,
I felt exactly the same way. Tears came into my eyes as I put this brief story together. In his bravery he spoke beautifully and desperately for himself, but also for so many other “old” orphans who simply can’t find a family, a loving family.
We have so much in our country there is no reason any child should go without a family. I feel ashamed that I haven’t found time before now to make it a priority to find out what needs to be done to help.