Del Norte Child Care Council Newsletter Articles

The Story of Martin and Zachary

Del Norte Child Care Council, Child Development, Day Care Providers, Parenting services, facilities, information and training in Crescent City CA, Del Norte County. Jammin at Jed

Once upon a time there was a lonely little African American doll living up on a shelf at the Del Norte Child Care Council. One day during the Toy Lending Library’s open hours, in walked a beautiful little boy named Zachary with his big blue eyes and flowing blonde hair. Instantly the little doll and Zachary felt a connection. So with his mom’s approval, Zachary checked out the little doll with his Toy Room membership. Zachary and all his cousins left the Toy Room that day feeling satisfied with the toys they chose for their 2 week borrowing period.

Two weeks passed and it was time for Zachary to return the little doll and to check out another toy. Well, Zachary had decided that the little boy doll was all he wanted and with his mom’s ok he checked him out again for another two weeks. Week after week this became something Zachary did. He would try to bring back the doll he affectionately named Martin (after Dr. Martin Luther King). The time would come for him to leave and Martin just had to go with him. This went on for 3 months. All the while, the bond between Zachary and Martin grew stronger and stronger.

After watching this relationship grow with love and affection, we decided to let Zachary adopt little Martin from our Toy Lending Library. On September 5th, 2002, Martin officially became Zachary’s little boy. There was a wonderful certificate made and with Martin in hand, Zachary graciously accepted the responsibility for taking Martin home for good!

Martin has been there for Zachary and all his firsts. There was the hair cut at the barber - Zachary wouldn’t climb up in the big scary chair until the barber cut Martin’s hair in the big chair first. Martin would sleep, eat and do everything with Zachary. There was also the big birthday bash for Martin with cake, decorations, and presents!

With the encouragement of his Mom Amy and Dad Tracy, Zachary has become little Martin’s "Daddy". Amy made Martin a stroller and Tracy made Martin a bed. Zachary gave Martin shoes that say "I love Daddy" and Martin made the whole family happy. Zachary has since gotten a real life little baby brother named Christopher. With the wonderful way in which Zachary’s mom and dad have nurtured his relationship with Martin, they have been blessed with a son that was totally prepared for brotherhood and having a baby in the house. Christopher has been a welcome new addition to their household and Zachary is the best big brother around!

As this story has grown and unfolded…..and will continue to grow for its season, I grow as well from observing the love a little boy named Zachary has shown for something he cherishes. This has been one of the most rewarding things I have experienced with my time at the Del Norte Child Care Council... the love for another.

Melodee Waggener