Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, a non-profit dedicated to child abuse reform, recently revealed a poignant wish list penned by a child from Oklahoma who suffered severe abuse at the hands of alcoholic parents. Neglected and starved, the boy found solace in the foster system after a vigilant neighbor alerted authorities.

Subsequently, the organization stepped in to find him a loving home. When they informed the boy about his new family, he created a wish list that touched many hearts. The list contained basic necessities and desires that should be a given for any child but were absent from his life:

“I want food and water.
Don’t hit on me.
A house with running water and lights.
I want love.
Mom and dad don’t fight.
I want no drugs.
Don’t kill my pets.
Help with school.
Nice clean clothes.
No lice. No bugs in the house.
Clean house.
Clean bed with covers.
Don’t sell my toys.
Treated fair.
Don’t get drunk.
TV in the house.
Let me keep my school stuff.
Nice shoes.
My own comb, soap. Nice house, safe, and a warm coat.
Toothbrush.”

This heartbreaking list reminds us not to take the basics for granted. Share this story to raise awareness.