Sometimes the people who remind us how precious life is are the ones who face the biggest challenges.

We took Dequavious to Wonder World Park in San Marcos, and our first adventure was the wildlife park. When the deer poked their head in the car for some food, Dequavious, or DQ, went straight for his ear.

"That's a tell-tale sign,” his CASA volunteer, Leslie Sirrianni, said. “He plays with his ear when he's nervous or anxious."

He likes animals, but perhaps more from a distance. He loves to watch horses on TV.

DQ is an affectionate 8-year-old.

"To meet DQ is to fall in love with him. He is just the sweetest thing in the world," Sirrianni gushed. "He loves people. In fact, you kind of have to watch him because he'll go off with anyone that smiles or waves at him.”

DQ has a lot of challenges. Developmentally, he's closer to age three. He has autism, intellectual disabilities, and about a year ago he had a brain tumor removed. So, he has never been able to speak, but he does understand. Lately, he loves to wave.

He’s also learning different ways to communicate. He knows a couple of signs, like “more” and “eat.” Also, his foster family is teaching him to use a device with pictures to communicate what he wants.

"It's just a matter of not giving up on him, of knowing he still has this potential," Sirrianni said.

When DQ went into foster care about five years ago, he couldn't walk. Now he's even learning to kick a ball, and dress himself.

DQ gets speech, and physical and occupational therapy at school. Those services will be available for his adoptive family, too.

All this progress is proof of what DQ can learn in a loving home, with someone who won't give up on him.

"DQ is a very special child, and it's going to take a very special family to adopt him,” Sirrianni said. “But if we can find that special family it would be an unbelievable thing for him."

With his disposition, DQ has a lot to offer a forever family.

"He's got the sweetest spirit, and the most honest, great human qualities. And that's what you're reminded of every time you see DQ. And that's what his Forever Family will always have with him," Sirrianni said. “He’s like a little shining star.”