DALLAS — At 14 years old, Troy already stands taller than many adults around him. But beyond his six-foot frame is a teenager with an even bigger heart — one filled with hope for a family to finally call his own.
For this week’s Wednesday’s Child, Troy spent the afternoon at the Post Malone Dallas Cowboys-themed Raising Cane’s, where he enjoyed good food, laughter, and the chance to simply be a kid.
“Very good,” Troy said with a smile while biting into a chicken finger.
The employees at Raising Cane’s brought him several combo meals to try, while making the teen feel very special. Moments like those mean a lot to Troy.
“I feel like I can walk around, get air, eat — I feel good,” he said.
Troy says happiness can be found in the little things: sports, helping people and seeing others smile.
“When I see people smile, it makes me smile too,” he said.
Sports are a huge part of Troy’s life and identity. Whether it’s basketball, football or soccer, he lights up talking about the games he loves.
“I want to be a basketball player, I want to be a football player, I want to be a soccer player,” Troy said. “I love sports. It’s something that makes me happy and makes me who I am.”
As he prepares to begin high school next year, Troy already has goals in mind.
“What are you looking forward to in high school?” we asked. “My high school diploma,” he answered proudly. “That’s what I want.”
Troy has spent most of his life in foster care after entering the system at just 3 years old. He describes the experience as “a lot of movement.”
“It’s been alright,” he said. “Not the best, but it’s been good.”
Despite the challenges, Troy remains optimistic and compassionate toward others.
“I like helping people,” he said. “If people need help, I like helping them.”
What Troy hopes for most is a family willing to listen, understand and support him.
“Someone who cares for me, loves me, and lets me talk and explain myself,” he said when describing what he wants in a family.
He says trust starts with listening.
“Why is it important to listen to one another?” we asked. “It’s kind of like a sign of trusting,” Troy said.
Perhaps Troy’s most heartfelt answer came when asked whether he had ever experienced unconditional love.
“Not yet,” he said softly. “But I’m getting there, though.”
More than anything, Troy hopes for what every child deserves: a family that will love him unconditionally and cheer him on as he chases his dreams.
You must go through a licensing process to adopt a child in Texas. For more information about Troy and how to get licensed, please contact the Heart Gallery of North Texas at hello@heartgallerynorthtexas.org. Don’t forget to include Troy’s name in the subject line or call 817-809-3440.
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