Wednesday’s Child Finds New Family

“Every kid needs a family,” Ryan said one year ago when he was first featured on “Wednesday’s Child.”

“It gives them a sense or stability – somebody they they can feel is there for them so they know they’re not alone,” he said.

Ryan got his wish. Neil Hodges saw him on that “Wednesday’s Child” report and told his wife, Doreen, about Ryan.

“Just something about Ryan really, really spoke to him,” Doreen says. “He came to me and said, ‘I want you to look at this kid, just look at him, there’s something about him.'”

Ryan reflects on life in his new adoptive family.

“I can come and go, get more freedoms, get to know more people, have people accept me, have everything I wanted,” he said.

After contacting adoption workers, the Hodges finally got to meet Ryan.

“Instantly I knew Ryan was my son, I had no doubt about it,” Doreen says.

For Ryan it is a dream come true to have a mom and dad of his own.

“They both seem to care dearly for me,” Ryan says. “They know what’s best for me even though I may not want it. They have my best interest. They won’t let me fall.”

The Hodges consider Ryan as part of the family.

“I love him like a son,” Neil says.

Doreen says there’s a real need for adoptive parents.

“No matter how old a kid is, they always need that sense that someone is there to catch them if they fall,” Doreen says.