The only gift one East Texas teenager wants this Christmas is a forever family; someone to love and be loved by.

Dakota enjoys playing sports, especially basketball, soccer and football.

“I like the Dallas Cowboys ’cause of the quarterback, Dak Prescott. His full name is Rayne Dakota Prescott, just like my name, Dakota,” said the 13-year-old as he throws a football.

Dakota is a fast and strong runner who enjoys using his skills when playing team sports.

“Yes ma’am. I love to run,” he tells me. “I’m pretty competitive at sports. I love to win!”

This 7th grader is also creative.

“I like to draw. It’s my outlet,” Dakota said.

He’s had some trouble staying on task at school and managing his behavior, but he’s making progress.

“I love school! I’ve been doing pretty good. I’ve made A’s and B’s. I think being adopted would help me move on and help me focus better in school.”

Despite being in foster care a long time and being moved to several different placements, Dakota remains hopeful of finding his forever family.

“I’ve been in foster care since I was 4. I think like 9 years,” Dakota said, looking down. “It’s been hard. I have some memories of my family, but I just let it go. I don’t really let that get to me.”

This young man said he always tries his best and is hoping for a better life.

“You can’t use your abuse as an excuse,” acknowledged Dakota. “I want to be a police officer when I grow up. I think it would be good to serve.”

Dakota’s wait has been long, but his request is simple.

“What I really want is a mom and maybe a sister and a dad, and maybe a dog.”

He’s a polite young man who has had a rough start in life and just needs a second chance. He can be easily influenced by those around him and needs a strong role model.

“I like to treat people fairly most of the time, but, if someone is treating me bad, then I normally go the same way. I would just want a family to treat me right and maybe that would help me.”

Until he finds that right family, he leans on his heavenly family.

“I believe in God. I love to go to church. It just motivates me.”

While Dakota said it may take him some time to adjust to a new family and a new way of life, he’s ready to take on the challenge.

To learn more about Dakota, join Gillian Sheridan for her Children are a Gift report next Tuesday night on CBS19 News at 6 p.m. You can also get information on East Texas children waiting for a forever family by going to cbs19.tv or email gsheridan@cbs19.tv. You can also inquire about a foster child by calling 903-533-4242.