Hendrix, an American boy living in a temporary foster home, has found a permanent home after being adopted by a Cuban family in South Florida.
The story of the teenager has gained attention with the celebration of National Adoption Month in the United States in November.
In 2022, when he was 12 years old, Hendrix expressed his desire to be adopted during an interview for NBC6, a television station affiliated with Telemundo. His confession sealed his fate.
The report from the “Forever Family” segment, filmed in the temporary foster home where Hendrix lived, showed what the boy was like, “that part that not everyone knows” - as his current adoptive mother would say - and emphasized the importance of him having his own family.
When the Cuban Yenedy Suárez, one of the therapists in her foster care group home, saw the video, she immediately knew what she had to do.
Married to Yusmel Triana and mother of two children - a teenager and a young boy - Suárez made a decision.
"We talked as a family—my husband, the girl, and I—and then decided to start the adoption process. He was there in the Group Home, and I couldn't just leave him there," she revealed to Telemundo51.
Triana, Hendrix's adoptive father, stated: "He's a new member, and we've had to work with him; he didn't know what family life was like, which posed a challenge for us. However, we have been working with him, and he has brought joy, especially to his brother."
Hendrix summarizes it in four words in Spanish: “I love my family.”
In a recent clip from the “Forever Family” segment, a media initiative in the United States that has been helping children find permanent homes since 2002, Hendrix is seen very happily with his adoptive family: his parents, siblings, and Cuban grandparents.
Photographs and videos capture the moment in court when the adoption was officially finalized, including travels, gatherings, and family celebrations, as well as experiences from daily life in their new, permanent home.
Hendrix is very affectionate with his younger brother, Noah, and his older sister, Natalie, who recently arrived from Cuba, Telemundo51 reports.
"He's learned a lot from her," the teenager acknowledged. Meanwhile, Natalie stated that the language barrier was not an obstacle for their communication. "Neither he spoke Spanish nor I spoke English, but now I can speak English, and he sometimes speaks Spanish with me," she confessed.
Moved to tears, Hendrix's adoptive mother expressed, "I knew he had a big heart, that he was like this, that he was a good boy. That's why we made the decision to bring him into our family, because we knew we could achieve more with him than what society saw."
“He is a very intelligent boy, and he just needs the right guidance to be able to achieve whatever he wants in the future,” Suárez stated.
Frequently asked questions about Hendrix's adoption by a Cuban family.
Who is Hendrix and what is his adoption story?
Hendrix is an American boy who lived in a temporary foster home before being adopted by a Cuban family in South Florida. His desire for a family was featured in a news segment, which prompted Yenedy Suárez, a Cuban therapist, to begin the adoption process with her husband and children.
What was Hendrix's adjustment process to his new family like?
The adaptation process was a challenge for Hendrix, as he was not used to family life. However, the family worked with him to help him integrate, and Hendrix has brought joy to his new brother and sister, who have also learned to communicate with him despite the language differences.
What motivated the Cuban family to adopt Hendrix?
Yenedy Suárez, the adoptive mother, decided to adopt Hendrix after watching a report about him. She felt that Hendrix had a big heart and could achieve more with the right support. The family discussed the decision and agreed that they wanted to provide him with a stable and loving home.
What is the impact of National Adoption Month in the United States on stories like Hendrix's?
National Adoption Month in the United States aims to highlight the importance of providing permanent homes for children in foster care. Stories like Hendrix's illustrate how adoption can change lives by connecting children with families that offer them love and stability.
How has Hendrix integrated into the Cuban culture of his new family?
Hendrix has adjusted well to his new family, learning to communicate in Spanish and participating in family activities. He appears happy and affectionate with his new family, enjoying a multicultural environment that enriches his personal experience.
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