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Pittsburgh Diner Owner’s Unexpected Role as a Foster Parent
Pittsburgh — David McComb, the owner of a diner situated just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is accustomed to making quick decisions without the need for debate. However, he has recently learned an invaluable lesson about collaboration — particularly when it comes to family matters.
“When you marry someone, you usually have some understanding of their responses and actions,” David shares.
“But you need to have a conversation about it,” his wife, Nicole, counters.
The couple’s journey into fostering took a significant turn about four years ago, with events that began thousands of miles away.
In 2021, a young boy from Senegal named Ama Sow dreamt of pursuing a basketball career in the United States. To realize this ambition, Ama began uploading highlight videos online in hopes of securing a sponsorship from an American high school. His efforts paid off, and he was invited to attend a private school in the U.S.
Leaving his family behind, Ama made the journey to America, saying, “I would do anything for basketball.”
Sadly, his excitement was short-lived. In early 2022, shortly after his arrival, the school unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving the 15-year-old without a home or financial support. In his time of need, a former faculty member reached out to David, an old friend.
“I felt there was no one else who could help him, so I just said ‘OK,'” David recalled. Without hesitation, he agreed to welcome Ama into his already bustling household of three children, trusting that Nicole would eventually support the decision, which she did almost immediately.
“Ama had never seen a dishwasher or experienced a hot shower before coming to America. His arrival really opened our eyes,” Nicole remarked.
Today, Ama, now a senior at Montour High School, is on the brink of achieving his basketball dreams, as he will join the NCAA Division 1 program at the University of Tennessee at Martin next year. Yet, for him, the most significant achievement has been the sense of belonging he found within his new family.
“Having a family means they will be there for you forever,” Ama expressed. “They’ll love you forever and help you whenever you need… That’s what I’ve found here, I believe.”
Nicole wholeheartedly agrees, stating, “I love him. He’s part of our family.”
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