The Heartbreaking Wish List of a Foster Child: A Glimpse into a Life of Unimaginable Hardship

There are moments when a simple list can say more than an entire book, and this is one of those times. A non-profit organization called Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, based in Oklahoma, recently shared a foster child’s wish list that has touched the hearts of everyone who has seen it.

The list, written by a child who had endured years of severe abuse at the hands of alcoholic parents, offers a window into the devastating reality that too many children face in silence.

This child, nameless for privacy reasons, was one of the fortunate ones—rescued from a life of pain and fear by social services after a concerned neighbor bravely reported the abusive home. His story could have ended there, lost in the shadows of the foster care system.

But Dreamcatchers for Abused Children stepped in, finding him a loving and supportive foster home, a safe place where he could finally begin to heal.

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. What followed was a wish list that, despite its simplicity, speaks volumes about the horrors he had endured.

This wasn’t a list filled with toys or extravagant requests. Instead, it was a haunting reminder of the things most children take for granted—things that had been tragically absent from his life.

Here’s what the boy wrote down, one line at a time:

1. Food and water
2. Safety from physical abuse
3. A home with running water and electricity
4. Love, and no fighting between parents
5. An environment free from drugs and violence
6. Help with education
7. Clean and appropriate clothing
8. A clean and safe living space
9. A sense of fairness and not having my things taken away
10. A television for entertainment
11. Basic hygiene items like a comb, soap, and toothbrush

Reading through this list, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of sorrow. Each item reflects a longing for things so fundamental that most of us 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

Imagine, for a moment, being a child who has to ask for food and water as part of your wishes. Picture a life where “safety from physical abuse” is something you dream of because it has never been your reality. While many children grow up surrounded by love and care, this boy’s upbringing was 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 detail. For this child, home was not a place of refuge; it was a battlefield. 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 this environment, drugs and violence were the norm, education was a luxury, and personal belongings were something to be taken away on a whim.

One of the most haunting entries on the list was “a sense of fairness and not having my things taken away.” It’s a quiet cry for dignity, for the simple right to own and keep something without the fear of it being stolen or used as a weapon of control.

A Glimmer of Hope in a Dark World

What makes this story even more poignant is that, despite everything, this boy still dared to hope. 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. The inclusion of a television on his list is a bittersweet reminder that, even after enduring unimaginable trauma, he was still just a kid, hoping for a little fun and distraction like any other child his age.

And while his list was heartbreaking, it also served as a powerful reminder of the work that 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 often their future.

A Call to Action

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

Dreamcatchers for Abused Children continues to make a profound impact by placing children in homes where they can finally experience safety, love, and care. But they can’t do it alone. They rely on the support and compassion of people who are willing to stand up and make a difference.

The Power of Empathy

As we read this boy’s simple yet profound wish list, we’re 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. And that hope is something we must nurture, not just for this child, but for every child who has suffered in silence.

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

This boy’s story isn’t 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 at a better life. So, 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’re not only raising awareness but also reminding 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, let’s work towards a world where every child’s wish list is filled with dreams, not survival.