Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Nicholas is a 13-year-old boy with a love of the outdoors, but he especially enjoys fishing. When he found out that was how he was going to spend the day, he was a little concerned.
"I don't have anything to go fishing with," Nicholas said.
But that wasn't a problem. FishTech, a local outfitter, set him up with his own gear and a guide for the day.
After he got his first fish, the gentle-natured teen cared enough to make sure the fish was OK: "Can I throw him back in?," he asked the fishing guide.
It's not just fishing that makes Nicholas smile, he plays on a competitive rugby team and excels in math.
Nicolas has lived in foster care for the past 10 years, and admits some days are harder than others: "On Mother's Day and Father's Day, I don't get to see my mom or my dad," he said.
He doesn't remember much about life before placement in state custody, but his perception is heartbreaking: "When I was smaller, no one liked me," he said.
He wants to be with a family permanently, and says he looks forward to having someone to love.
Although he hasn't met this family just yet, he already pictures what it could be like.
"I want brothers and sisters," he said. "I want one brother to sleep with me on the bottom of the bunk bed."
A boy excited at the prospect of a shared room, a boy already so willing to share his heart.
