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SALT LAKE CITY — The holidays are a time most of us spend a lot of time with family. Now a Wednesday's Child can say he has a family to share Christmas with too.
Fifteen-year-old Nick has gotten used to change. "I've never had a home that I could call home," he said.
In foster care since he was about a year old, he's moved through temporary home after temporary home. But last year, he was placed in a home he knew was different.
He just fits in. He's totally like our family.
–Leona Hansen, adoptive parent
"He just fits in. He's totally like our family," says Leona Hansen. She took a chance and decided to become a foster parent — something she had never done before.
Even though it was tough at first, once Nick moved in Leona knew it was meant to be. "He acts just like my children, so he belongs here with us," she said.
Leona decided to adopt Nick; and though they've only known each other for a relatively short time, it's as if they've always been together.
"It's different because I can care about her and she'll care about me," Nick said.
On Dec. 2, they made it official with a legal adoption.
"It made me cry on the stand when they asked me if I would take care of him like one of my own natural children. I told them, 'Of course I will, every day,'" Leona recalled.
This will be their first Christmas together as a permanent family, and Nick can't think of any better gift.
Email: jstagg@ksl.com
