SEATTLE - As Air Force One touched down at Boeing Field Tuesday, and politicians and dignitaries prepared to discuss elections, economics and other matters of great importance with the President, one little boy had a much simpler matter on his mind.
"We celebrated my birthday today," he said.
Dewayne just turned 10. He marked his first decade of life today with a handshake from the President of the United States.
"He's really nice. Just what I expected, actually," said Dewayne.
Expectations are a tricky thing for the handsome young man. You see, Dewayne is a foster child. Things most kids "expect," like a hug from a mom or dad at the end of the day, simply don't happen. So, a photo-op with Barack Obama is almost beyond words.
"He asked me what my name was, and I told him my name and I said, 'Hi'. It's just really cool."
Dewayne was one of four foster children who met today the President through Northwest Adoption Exchange. They tell us the President's people reached out to them because of his interest in helping kids get adopted.
As Mr. Obama went about his business in Seattle, Dewayne was treated to an impromptu birthday party on the President's plane, complete with red velvet cake and a private tour of Air Force One.
"It's actually way better than first class," said Dewayne of the jumbo jet.
But once the celebration ended, it was back to the group home that Dewayne shares with five other boys. He was given up for adoption when he was just 6 years old, and has little or no contact with his biological parents. But today at least, life soared well beyond his expectations.
"I'm probably gonna remember this as the best day of my life," he said.
You can learn more about Dewayne and the other kids who met the president, Temo, Betty and Chavez by visiting the Northwest Adoption Exchange website at www.nwae.org.
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