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SALT LAKE CITY — For most of us, Christmas is a day spent surrounded by loved ones. For hundreds of children living in the foster care system, it is another day spent without a family of their own.
Esteban is an 11 year-old boy who enjoys playing in the snow and loves dogs.
KSL TV reporter Ashley Kewish asked him what he wanted to do this holiday. He chose dog sledding.
The two headed to Stillman Ranch near Kamas. Esteban immediately started playing with the dogs.
"I want to work in animal shelter, that's all I know," Esteban said.
Esteban currently lives with several other children in a group home.
"I got taken away when I was 9 years old and now I'm 11. I've been living like this for two years," Esteban recalled.
Esteban admits he's had a very difficult time the past couple of years, and although it's hard for Esteban to talk about life before being in state custody, he had no problem warming up to the sled dogs.
Wednesday's Child: Chelsea
For the 350 children living in foster care in Utah, Christmas morning might be at an unfamiliar place with little or no presents. While most girls her age hope for a date to the school dance, or a back-to-school wardrobe, Chelsea said she longs for something different.As he gets ready for his ride, he made a quick inspection of the line, and added a little kiss on one of the dogs' head, which he said is for good luck.
The driver secured Esteban in the sled, and they raced off. Even though his little head bobbed all over as he glided over the rugged terrain, Esteban smiled ear to ear.
"The dog kicks snow on you and it stings just a little bit," Esteban said.
He even tried his hand at driving. Although spending Christmas this way would be a treat for any little boy, what he really wants is something else.
"A really nice mom and dad and some children to play with. Someone to take care of me," he said.
More stories about the hundreds of other foster children living in Utah waiting for that forever home can be found here.
