Posted on 12/05/2014 7:25:45 PM PST by Morgana
Devonte Hart is touching the hearts of hundreds of thousands across the country. An image taken at a Ferguson Rally shows Devonte hugging a police officer with tears streaming down his face. As soon as the picture was posted this 12 year old boy from Portland, Oregon became a symbol of hope in the midst of a nation divided by racial tensions.
Devonte was at the rally with his mother, Jen Hart. As Devonte held a sign that said ‘Free Hugs’ a police officer came over to talk with him. After making general conversation Sgt. Bret Barnum asked Devonte why he was crying. Devonte expressed the concerns on this heart and the officer listened, empathized and asked him if could have a free hug. Devonte obliged, Johnny Nguyen, a freelance photographer captured the moment and it went viral after it was posted on social media.
If you think their hug was beautiful, the story of Devonte’s life story is even more powerful. Devonte, along with two of his siblings were adopted seven years ago by a white couple, Jen and Sarah Hart. Devonte is one of 4 children the Hart’s have adopted. Jen told Paper Trail online news that she wasn’t sure how she would raise Devonte. He was born with drugs in his system. By the young age of 4 Devonte had smoked, handled guns, been shot at, consumed alcohol and endured abuse.
Although Devonte was old enough to be speaking in full sentences, he only knew a few words and some of them were curse words. He had a number of disabilities and struggled with violent attitudes.
Jen told Paper Trail, about the fear she struggled with when they first met.
“That night, after we finally got him to sleep, I cried harder than I had ever cried in my life. I felt like there was no way we could raise this child, and the five others we had adopted.”
Although she felt overwhelmed and uncertain, something was pulling at her heart. She recalled:
“I felt more connected to this fragile little boy more than I had ever felt to anyone in my life.”
Jen and Sarah made a brave choice to love a child in spite of his circumstances. Jen told Paper Trail that Devonte has proven doctors, psychologists and teachers wrong. When people tell the Harts that Devonte is lucky they adopted him, they share that they are the real lucky ones.
Devonte’s story gives me hope. Hope for every child that’s unwanted or neglected. Many argue that abortion is a merciful option for children born into circumstances like Devonte’s. They believe it’s justifiable to terminate a child to spare them from potential abuse. Imagine the absolute beauty that would have been lost if Devonte never existed. We can never know the potential a single life holds. Devonte was born into negative circumstances, but he overcame through the love of his adopted parents. Adoption is a powerful force for good in this world .
PICTURE ON LINK
Let’s follow Devonte’s example. Shed a tear, give a hug and open your heart to someone in need. Your act of compassion could just change a nation.
Thought you’d like this story.
This was quite a story, especially the part that he along with several other children were adopted by two lesbians. I hope his mothers are making sure he has some strong straight males in his life.
That did not go unnoticed. Children like him are very hard to adopt out. Usually they end up in the foster care system and, well that to me is far far worse. I’m not thrilled they ended up in this kind of home but I guess I should be happy they are in a some what stable place with people who are at least trying.
That was my first thought as well.
Hugs are the best gift for a child. And they’re free.
You just know this kid is being given a hard time for allowing such a photo to be taken; a black youth literally hanging on to a white cop for safety and peace of mind. Hopefully, he is tough enough to ignore the haters, most of whom are jealous they have never done anything to garner this much positive attention.
I agree with you - how I wish this wasn’t an issue in the first place and that parents would/could take care of their own. I hope this boy is doing well.
Same here. I sure hope that boy grows up with out any other issues.
” I hope his mothers are making sure he has some strong straight males in his life.”
I doubt it. Most hate men. Poor kid.
Yes - that’s what a lot of people don’t get.
I was orphaned at 9 and wound up a ward of the state. I was lucky enough to have a lot of people looking out for me as kid - but I would have killed to be adopted by anybody who would love me.
Two parents, one of each sex, is the ideal for me - but you can’t always get the ideal. We’ve got to find the best available solutions, not just the perfect ones.
maybe they have brothers or dads that are good influences... he already appears hyper-emotional and that was a big red flag to me.
I can only hope so. I also hope that they don’t have “gay” male friends who would harm the kid.
If he is with 2 lesbians he probably is not in a stable place.
CC
Are you familiar with Robert Lopez? He writes on this subject on American Thinker - his mother left his father for another woman when he was a child, and his life was a holy hell growing up. Here is one of his articles on Gay Adoption - I read everything he writes for his insights that don’t get much public airing.
http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/04/on_gay_adoption_se_cupp_is_out_to_lunch.html
Thanks Morgana I did,His face tells a story just in that moment with that picture.So does the PoliceOfficer”s face tell a story,I understand.A hug goes a long way and sometimes is not forgotten.:) thanks for the Ping.
(((((Hugs)))))) I would have adopted you unless you were bad:)
I just hope they are not dressing him like a girl like that other lesbian couple did. They let him be a boy and I’m cool.
Bless you Morgana for posting this.
I have strange wet stuff on my iPad screen.
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