HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- For more than a year, we've been sharing the stories of children living in foster care who desperately want a "forever family."

In January 2009, we featured a young man named Austin. At the time, he was 14 and hopeful for a family he could trust to love him.

We’re excited to inform you that Austin has found a home. Paul Stella, 45, of Rochester, N.Y., has adopted Austin. Paul works at a local university there. He says he's always wanted a family and children and, while life didn't work out exactly the way he planned, things have worked out better than he could have hoped.

We recently talked by phone with father and son, and they wanted to share some stories and photos of their new journey together.

“When I noticed Austin on the Adoptakids website, I reached out to his caseworker to express interest and that's when Jennifer Cochran said thanks for my interest and said, 'By the way, here's a story that was done by a local television station. Why don't you take a look?' " Paul said. "So, I was able to see the story on your website and I think, at that point, I had realized I had found the right kid. That story really made a big difference in my decision to move forward."

He continued, "The reward is being a father to a great young man like Austin. It's hard to describe the rewards that come with that. It's really changed my life in a positive way. There are challenges, too, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. We've also really bonded. We've become father and son and we're also best friends and we really enjoy each other's company. We may get on each other's nerves from time to time, but ultimately we just look at each other and laugh."

Austin said, "I can't say he's doing bad because I'm still alive and I'm actually getting fatter ... I'm enjoying everything."

“One of the things I'm most proud about that Austin has accomplished while he's here is he's been able to get a job and he's working with a local supermarket and is really excelling and learning responsibility that comes with a job and money management and it's been excited to see him grow in that experience,” said Paul.

“A lot of people at my school are jealous and don't understand how I got a job there where they have been applying there for a few years so I guess you can consider it lucky where I got a job when I just moved here and hundreds of people apply there so for them to choose me is something special,” said Austin.

Paul said, "His Playstation 3, that was my Christmas gift to him. That's his passion. We've been busy interacting with my family, all of whom absolutely adore him. We spend a lot of time with family. He's made a great adjustment with school and meeting friends."

He continued, "My father is still alive and is 91 years old and he lives nearby, and I also have two brothers and two sisters, all of whom live close except for one sister who lives in San Diego. We got to visit her in California. So, most of them have children and grandchildren, so we have a pretty large extended family, most of whom live here in the Rochester area."

Austin said, "I did say 'ma'am' and 'sir' a lot and I've noticed a lot of people aren't comfortable with it these days, especially older people who say it makes them feel old. So, I've dropped it for that reason. Most people don't like it."

Paul said, "The response has been overwhelming. They look at me almost in a heroic fashion and I appreciate that they see it that way. But, I remind that I am not selfless. I get a lot out of this as well. But, knowing that people have taken to our story and seen what we've been able to accomplish is tremendously rewarding."

Austin said, "Definitely, Paul loves me. All my life, I've been looking for someone to love me and someone I could trust. I lost that with my mom and dad. If I could, I'd give Paul everything in the world and make him become a millionaire, but I don't have that kind of power. He deserves a lot more than what I give him."

Austin has his driver's learner's permit and is well on his way to earning his driver's license. He's also making the adjustment in his new school well.

Paul says if you're considering adopting, go ahead and start the process. His advice -- don't think of what could go wrong, instead think of what an incredible opportunity you could be missing out on.

Paul has detailed this journey with Austin and posted even more photos on his blog. He welcomes you to check it out at http://paulstella.wordpress.com/