I fully believe that it’s a journalist’s responsibility to help bring light to what’s wrong in the world.  To hold up a mirror to society and say “Hey.  Look at yourself.  Is this really the world you want to live in?”  

            I don’t have kids… yet.  I know I will someday, when I’m ready.  But I do know that I don’t want to live in a world where there are such beautiful children like Dallis, Jeffrey and Conner looking for parents.   

            At this moment, there are 779 children in foster care in Washoe County .  

            It’s become cliché, but how is it that there are couples who struggle for years to get pregnant, and someone else will resign their parental rights?   

            I won’t get on that topic throughout my series Have a Heart.  

            But I will challenge you to find people who want to bring love, joy, fear, fun, stimulation, security, insecurity, happiness … any and all feelings that go hand-in-hand with being a parent.   

            At least open up the dialogue of adoption with couples wanting a family.   

            And then tell them about the 779 children who want a family here in Washoe County.   

FOR INFORMATION ON ADOPTION, CALL WASHOE COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES AT (775) 337-4510; OR E-MAIL WASHOE COUNTY AT Adoption_Recruitment@washoecounty.us

DALLIS, JEFFREY AND CONNER  

    Six year old Dallis, four year old Jeffrey, and two year old Conner are your typical young boys.   

    We met at Grand Sierra Resort’s Fun Quest, where after just a couple minutes the three took over!  

     Dallis shows a big interest in cars.  Whether it’s racing with me, or racing the computer.   

     Jeffrey is big on animals, and immediately tried to win a stuffed animal with the jaws of luck.   

     But all three enjoyed bowling best.   

     That’s because they could win tickets to be redeemed for prizes later.  

      After a half-hour of solid play time, the boys and I sat down to talk.   

     Dallis is definitely the protective older brother, emphasizing the fact that after spending a year-and-a-half in foster care, he and his brothers need to be adopted together.

     I asked him "Why do you want to stay together?"   

     "Bcause, I don't want my brothers to get lost,” he replied.   

     Dallis takes full responsibility for Jeffrey and Conner, saying he hopes to live in an apartment because there are gates around them. Which makes him feel safe.   

    "Why do you want to feel safe?"  

I asked.  

     "So my brothers don't get out."   

     Jeffrey, who starts kindergarten next year, has a different request.   

     He wants a family that has a puppy.   

     And a family which has fun together, and would consider regular trips to Fun Quest.

     In fact, Jeffrey says he wants to “stay here (Fun Quest) for all time.”   

     Two-year-old Conner is a cuddler. You can hold him all day long.

     Social Worker Teresa Benitez-Thompson says, "If you're okay with just having a little baby attached to your shoulder, or your hip all the time then you’ll love Conner and he’ll love you.”  

     The boys are ready to have a family of their own.  

     And they really only have one requirement, as stated by Dallis, "A dad that loves me.  And a mom that loves me."