The story of a foster child’s wish list, recently shared by the non-profit organization Dreamcatchers for Abused Children in Oklahoma, is one of those moments where a simple list speaks more than a thousand words. The list, written by a child who had endured years of severe abuse at the hands of alcoholic parents, has touched the hearts of everyone who has seen it. It offers a raw and devastating look into the unimaginable reality that too many children face, often in silence and with no way out.

This child, whose identity has been kept private for protection, was one of the fortunate ones—rescued from a life of fear, pain, and neglect after a brave neighbor reported the abusive home to social services. Although his story could have ended there, like so many others who get lost in the shadows of the foster care system, Dreamcatchers for Abused Children stepped in. They found him a loving and supportive foster home, where he could finally begin the long process of healing from the horrors of his past.

A Wish List That Speaks Volumes

When the organization informed the child that he would soon be moving into his new forever home, they asked if he had any hopes or dreams for his future family. His response was a simple wish list. But despite its simplicity, this list spoke volumes about the abuse he had suffered. It wasn’t filled with toys or extravagant requests. Instead, it was a heartbreaking reminder of the things most children take for granted—things that had been cruelly absent from his life.

Here’s what the boy wrote down, line by line:

Food and water
Safety from physical abuse
A home with running water and electricity
Love, and no fighting between parents
An environment free from drugs and violence
Help with education
Clean and appropriate clothing
A clean and safe living space
A sense of fairness and not having my things taken away
A television for entertainment
Basic hygiene items like a comb, soap, and toothbrush
Reading through this list, it’s impossible not to feel a deep, gut-wrenching sadness. Each item on the list reflects a longing for things so fundamental that most people barely give them a second thought. Yet, for this child, even the simplest of necessities—things like clean clothes, running water, and safety from harm—were luxuries he had never known.

The Unimaginable Reality Behind the List

Take a moment to imagine being a child who has to ask for food and water. Picture a life where “safety from physical abuse” is something you dream of because it has never been a part of your reality. For many children, home is a place of love, care, and warmth. But for this boy, home was a battleground, filled with violence, neglect, and fear. His list wasn’t about material desires—it was a desperate plea for the basic things that every child should have by right, not by chance.

The request for “no fighting between parents” is another heart-wrenching entry. For this child, the idea of love without conflict was something he could only imagine, having grown up watching the people who were supposed to protect him tear each other apart. In his home, violence and substance abuse were part of daily life, and education was a luxury he couldn’t afford. Personal belongings were not his own but something to be taken away at a moment’s notice, used as tools of control and punishment.

Perhaps one of the most haunting parts of the list was the child’s wish for “a sense of fairness and not having my things taken away.” This quiet plea for fairness and dignity is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of chaos, children have a deep sense of right and wrong. They know when they are being treated unjustly, and they yearn for the simple right to own something and keep it.

A Glimmer of Hope in a Dark World

What makes this story even more poignant is the fact that, despite everything, this boy still dared to hope. His list wasn’t filled with extravagant desires or material goods. He didn’t ask for much—just a safe, clean place to call home, love without violence, and the chance to be a child again. His wish for a television is a bittersweet reminder that, even after enduring unspeakable trauma, he was still just a kid, hoping for a little bit of fun and distraction like any other child his age.

While his wish list is heartbreaking, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible work organizations like Dreamcatchers for Abused Children do every day. Their mission is to give children like this boy a second chance at life, rescuing them from situations that would otherwise steal their childhood, their dignity, and, all too often, their futures.

A Call to Action

This child’s wish list should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. It’s a reminder that, while we may take our own blessings for granted, there are children living without the most basic necessities. This story is a call to action, urging us to support organizations like Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, who work tirelessly to protect and nurture these vulnerable kids.

Dreamcatchers continues to make a profound difference by placing children in homes where they can finally experience the love, safety, and care they deserve. But they can’t do it alone. They need the help of people who are willing to stand up, get involved, and make a difference in the lives of these children.

The Power of Empathy

As we read this boy’s simple yet profound wish list, we are reminded of the incredible resilience of children. Despite everything he had been through, this child was still able to dream, still able to hope for something better. That hope is something we must nurture, not just for him, but for every child who has suffered in silence, waiting for someone to hear their story and give them a chance at a better life.

Let this story serve as a call for empathy, compassion, and action. Whether by supporting organizations like Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, fostering a child, or simply raising awareness about the realities faced by abused and neglected children, each of us has the power to make a difference.

This boy’s story is not an isolated one. It’s the story of many children who are waiting for someone to see them, to hear them, and to give them a chance. As you go about your day, think about the things you take for granted. Then, think about how you can help ensure that no child ever has to put “food and water” or “safety” on their wish list again.

Sharing the Story

By sharing this story, we not only raise awareness but also remind ourselves of the responsibility we have to look out for those who are most vulnerable. This list may have been written by one child, but it speaks for thousands. Let’s share his story far and wide, and together, work towards a world where every child’s wish list is filled with dreams, not survival.