Featured Family
The Riley Family
In 2001 I meet the most amazing kid name Cedric. He was a foster child that had been moved from home to home, and finally placed in my mom’s home. This quiet and shy young man only wanted a safe place for himself and the two siblings that came along with him.
After living with my mom for about one year, a family was found to adopt Cedric and his brothers. However, Cedric decided not to move with his brothers and leave the only safe place he had ever known. Of course this caused a conflict with his caseworkers because their job was to find an adoptive family for him which is almost impossible for a child nearing the age of 14.
Over the years that Cedric lived with my mom we all watched and encouraged his growth, and helped him come to terms with his past. Seeing the positive changes in this child, along with my mom’s persistence, encouraged me to adopt Cedric and make him officially a part of our family.
In 2004 our adoption was finalized and with great pride Cedric became my son. Finalizing the adoption regenerated Cedric’s views on life and his goals. He immersed himself in school by joining various student organizations and programs which allowed him to take leadership roles. By the time Cedric graduated from high school, he had received several academic and leadership awards and was offered over $150,000 in scholarship offers.
Today, Cedric is an energetic freshman at OSU and a motivational speaker. He has decided to dedicate his life to motivating youth by sharing his life story and stressing that “Success is a choice!” I am very proud of my son and the direction his life has taken. He has made a difference in my life!