The children and youth are often our best teachers. One such teacher materialized at an awards ceremony in Chicago.

Martin looked very handsome and a little nervous. He was dressed in a suit and tie and stood next to his mom at the podium. They had been asked to say a few words about their adoption and to assist in the presentation of a couple of awards.

Adoption professionals in the audience beamed as they spoke. Everyone was proud, and the pride was well deserved.

After the fanfare was over, Martin turned to me and asked, “Can I look at the picture book?” Of course the answer was yes. He was referring to the photo album filled with pictures and profiles of children who were waiting for families.

I guess the time to gloat was over. Enough of that – let’s get to work!

Martin went straight to the “D” section of the alphabetically organized book. He was looking for someone in particular. “I want to know if DeShawn is still in the picture book,” he said.

Martin was a good teacher. He kept my focus where it needed to be.

I asked him to tell me about DeShawn. “He was my foster brother, and he still needs to be adopted.”