Foster Child’s Heartbreaking Wish List Leaves the Internet in Tears
A simple piece of paper written by a foster child from Oklahoma has touched thousands of hearts across the country, reminding us of the things we often take for granted.
Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and protecting abused children, recently shared this moving list. The group focuses on raising awareness of child abuse, offering intervention resources, and helping victims find the care they deserve.
This particular child’s story is heartbreaking. Growing up in a home filled with violence, alcoholism, and neglect, he knew nothing of the love and care most children experience daily.
His basic needs were constantly ignored—he often went without food, lived in unsanitary conditions, and was left to fend for himself.
Thankfully, a neighbor eventually noticed something was terribly wrong and contacted the authorities. Once police intervened, the child was removed from the abusive home and placed into protective care through Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.
After a long search for the right family, the organization finally found a loving, stable home for the boy. That’s when he sat down and wrote his wish list—not filled with expensive toys or gadgets, but with the basic things every child should have by default.
Here’s the list he wrote:
Things I want in my family:
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 house.
Clean house.
Clean bed with covers.
Don’t sell my toys.
Treated fair.
Don’t get drunk.
TV in house.
Let me keep my school stuff.
Nice shoes.
My own comb, soap, nice house, and safe and heater coat.
Toothbrush.
For most of us, these things are part of everyday life. But for this young child, they were precious dreams.
People from all over reacted emotionally to this list, pointing out that no child should ever have to wish for these basics. Love, safety, food, and clean clothes should be a given—not a luxury.
A Wake-Up Call for Us All
This powerful note serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for vulnerable children and making sure they’re protected, supported, and given the chance to live the kind of life every child deserves.
➡ Let’s all remember to be grateful for what we have—and help those who don’t.
SHARE this story with your family and friends to help raise awareness about child abuse and the importance of foster care.
