In his seventh-grade English class, Jeremiah Zhorne showed his teacher an essay he’d written for homework. Maybe, he told her, he should start over. Maybe he should have picked a different topic.

He’d written four paragraphs about the difference between prescription and over-the-counter drugs and “bad and illegal” drugs.

“Drugs may be bad for you, but they make you feel so good!” the 13-year-old had written in pencil. “You shouldn’t ever do drugs because they are very addicting. I know how it feels to get high. It’s awesome but not good.”

His teacher, Robin Crow, agreed a different topic would be best. Jeremiah buried his head in a book for the rest of class, taking notes for a new essay about fighter jets.

“Every once in awhile,” Crow said, after Jeremiah left for his next class, “I’ll get a hint of a past life from him.”

Jeremiah spent most of his childhood bouncing from house to house, and for years many of the adults he knew weren’t safe for a child to be around. A couple in Cedar Rapids, Amanda and Matt Zhorne, adopted him about a year-and-a-half ago.

To continue reading this article by Molly Duffy, go to: http://www.thegazette.com/iowa...experiences-20170424