‘I love my brother.’ Mark and Keelin are hoping to be adopted together by a loving family who will give them care, stability, and a place to belong.
ARLINGTON, Texas — At first glance, 7-year-old Mark and 6-year-old Keelin look like any other playful brothers, spending a carefree day together at Cheeky Monkey in Arlington. But behind their smiles is a more difficult reality — the pair is still searching for a family to call their own.
Mark and Keelin are this week’s Wednesday’s Child.
“Mark is funny, he is so smart, caring and loves his brother,” said their caseworker, Dominique Brown.
Keelin, who is on the autism spectrum, brings energy and joy wherever he goes. He loves clapping, bouncing around and giving what Brown calls “the best hugs.” Mark says those hugs always make him smile.
“When I do that, he comes to me,” Mark said, stretching out his arms to show how Keelin runs into his embrace.
“I love my brother,” he added proudly.
Mark enjoys playing with toy cars and spending time with people who make him feel seen and valued. Recently, the brothers celebrated birthdays. But because of unforeseen circumstances, the celebration they hoped for never really happened.
When Mark was asked what he wanted most for his birthday after turning 7, his answer was simple.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking,” said Brown. “It’s something so simple. Most of us get a cake for our birthday. We don’t have to ask for it. We don’t have to question it.”
For Mark and Keelin, their wish is not complicated. They simply want a family who will love them together.
“They need a family that is patient, high-energy, and willing to love them,” Brown said.
Both Mark and Keelin share a strong bond with Brown, who is determined to find a family willing to adopt them together and give them the love and stability every child deserves.
“Make sure that they know someone loves them, someone is going to advocate for them and make sure that they get a good family,” the caseworker said.
To learn more about adopting Mark and Keelin, or to begin the adoption licensing process in Texas, contact Heart Gallery North Texas at hello@heartgallerynorthtexas.org. Please provide Mark and Keelin’s names within the subject line.
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