Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is an incredible non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who have experienced abuse. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to educate the public about child abuse and provide resources to support victims on their path to recovery.

Recently, the organization shared a heartbreaking story about a young boy from Oklahoma who endured severe abuse at the hands of his alcoholic parents. Neglected and starved, he never experienced the love and joy that should fill a child’s life. It wasn’t until a vigilant neighbor notified social services that this boy’s life took a turn for the better.

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children stepped in to provide the support and care he desperately needed. They found him a new, loving home where he could finally begin to heal. When the organization shared the good news with the boy, he created a wish list of the things he hoped for in his new forever home.

This list touched the hearts of many who read it. It served as a reminder that these basic needs and desires should be automatically fulfilled for every child, without question or hesitation. Here is what the boy wrote:

The Boy’s Wish List for his New Family

• I want food and water: It’s heartbreaking that a child had to ask for something as fundamental as nourishment.
• Don’t hit me: No child should ever live in fear of physical harm.
• A house with running water and lights: Having access to basic utilities should be a given for every child.
• I want love: Every child deserves to feel loved and valued.
• Mom and dad don’t fight: Growing up in a peaceful and harmonious environment should be the norm.
• I want no drugs: Children should never be exposed to the dangers and effects of substance abuse.
• Don’t kill my pets: A child should never experience the pain of losing a beloved companion due to neglect or abuse.
• Help with school: Education is crucial for a child’s future, and they deserve support in their learning journey.
• Nice clean clothes: Children should have the privilege of wearing clean, comfortable clothing.
• No lice, no bugs in the house: A safe and hygienic living environment is essential for a child’s well-being.
• Clean house: A clean and organized home provides a sense of stability and security.
• Clean bed with covers: A comfortable bed with warm covers is a basic necessity for any child.
• Don’t sell my toys: Childhood should be filled with play and imagination, not the fear of losing treasured possessions.
• Treated fairly: Every child deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and fairness.
• Don’t get drunk: Parents should prioritize their child’s safety and well-being over any destructive habits.
• TV in the house: Simple pleasures like watching TV can bring joy and a sense of normalcy to a child’s life.
• Let me keep my school stuff: Allowing a child to keep their school supplies shows support for their education.
• Nice shoes: Having comfortable and well-fitted shoes is important for a child’s physical development.
• My own comb, soap, nice house, safe, heater, coat: These basic hygiene and shelter necessities should be guaranteed for every child.
• Toothbrush: Essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health.

Reading this wish list is a humbling experience. It is a powerful reminder that we should never take the simple joys and necessities of life for granted. Dreamcatchers for Abused Children is doing incredible work to ensure that children like this young boy find safety, love, and happiness. Let’s support their efforts and strive to create a world where every child has the right to a loving and nurturing home.