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Last year at a routine check-up, 15-year-old Raymond Henderson decided to tell the truth. When his doctor noticed bruises on his neck, Raymond admitted that his stepfather was abusing him. The Administration for Children's Services took Raymond and his sister Monica from their step-dad who’d raised them since their mother's death 13 years ago. Now they’re living with Ophelia, the home health attendant who cared for their mother as she was dying. Ophelia wants to give Raymond and Monica a permanent home. But faced with a decision that could shape his entire future, Raymond isn't sure. He worries that letting Ophelia adopt him would mean cutting ties with his old life and family.
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Related Pieces
Piece Description
Last year at a routine check-up, 15-year-old Raymond Henderson decided to tell the truth. When his doctor noticed bruises on his neck, Raymond admitted that his stepfather was abusing him. The Administration for Children's Services took Raymond and his sister Monica from their step-dad who’d raised them since their mother's death 13 years ago. Now they’re living with Ophelia, the home health attendant who cared for their mother as she was dying. Ophelia wants to give Raymond and Monica a permanent home. But faced with a decision that could shape his entire future, Raymond isn't sure. He worries that letting Ophelia adopt him would mean cutting ties with his old life and family.
Broadcast History
WNYC Morning Edition - December 16, 2008
Transcript
HOST INTRO: The last story of this season's Radio Rookies series comes from Raymond Henderson. At age 15, Raymond is struggling to make a very grown-up decision: he was raised primarily by his father, but last year he was placed in the foster care system. Raymond's foster mother is no stranger—she's been helping to take care of him for most of his life. And now she’s offering to adopt him. But for Raymond, and many foster kids like him, the idea of adoption can feel more like a burden than a blessing.
NARRATION: I want to tell you about this lady.
OPHELIA: Hi Raymond.
NARRATION: Her name's Ophelia, but when I met her I was too little to say it. Then I called her Ophie, now I call her Oph.
RAYMOND: So now I'm living with you right?
OPHELIA: Yes, because I always wanted you guys to be with me.
[sounds of moving into new apartment]
NARRATION: Oph was the home attendant that took care...
Read the full transcript
Additional Credits
Kaari Pitkin, Senior Producer
Sanda Htyte, Associate Producer
Marianne McCune, Editor
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