By Michele 
Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to advocating for abused children. Their primary mission, as stated on their website, is to raise awareness about all aspects of child abuse, including symptoms, intervention, prevention, statistics, reporting, and assisting victims in accessing the necessary resources for complete recovery.
Recently, the organization shared a poignant account written by a child from Oklahoma who found himself in the foster care system after enduring severe abuse from his alcoholic parents. The child’s upbringing lacked the love and joys typical of childhood, characterized instead by neglect and deprivation.
After years passed unnoticed, a concerned neighbor alerted social services upon recognizing the troubling situation in the child’s home.
Upon police intervention, the child was placed under the care of Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, who ensured his placement in a new, nurturing environment.
When the organization finally found a suitable family and shared the joyous news with the child, he expressed his desires in a heartfelt wish list for his new forever home.
The contents of this list deeply moved many, prompting reflections on the basic necessities a child should not have to wish for but rather expect as fundamental rights.
The list reads:
“Things I want in my family:
- I want food and water.
- Don’t hit me.
- A home with running water and electricity.
- I want love.
- No fighting between Mom and Dad.
- No drugs.
- Don’t harm my pets.
- Help with school.
- Nice, clean clothes.
- No lice or bugs in the house.
- A clean home.
- A clean bed with blankets.
- Don’t sell my toys.
- Fair treatment.
- No drunkenness.
- A TV in the house.
- Let me keep my school supplies.
- Nice shoes.
- My own comb, soap, and a safe, warm house with a heater and coat.
- A toothbrush.”
This list serves as a poignant reminder never to take our blessings for granted.