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SALT LAKE CITY — On Wednesday, Cylis got the chance to play video games at All Star Bowling and Entertainment in Draper. The sound of all those games may sound like heaven to most boys including the 13-year-old.
However, Cylis seemed a little more serious than most boys his age. He says because he knows Wednesday was a big day; one he's been looking forward to for a long time.
"About a year," said Cylis.
It was a year ago he found out about the opportunity to be featured on Wednesday's Child. There are nearly 3,000 children living in the Utah Foster Care system, so Cylis waited for his turn patiently.
"Well I've been getting ready to be adopted, and today is the day I get to be on TV," he said.
Waiting is something Cylis is used to.
"It's just that I moved," he said. "That's my earliest memory."
Cylis entered state custody 11 years ago, and despite all the times he's spend in the system, he says it doesn't get easier. He says the constant moving has been hardest on him.
"I really want to have somewhere to stay, instead of just staying in foster care and moving around everywhere," he said.
Despite a life of instability, his caseworker says he maintains straight A's in school and maintains nearly perfect attendance.
"It's very critical for him to find a home," his caseworker, Sara Conder said. "That's all he talks to me about when I go visit him."
Even after 11 long years, Cylis still has hope.
"I've been working hard to get adopted, being good and stuff," he said.
He hopes to soon be in a home where the sound of zipping suitcases and rolling bags are never heard again. He hopes that soon the sounds of family will surround him.
"Like a mother, a father and brothers and sisters," he said.
To learn more about Cylis, contact the Utah Adoption Exchange.
