'GOOD DAD'

Gut wrenching! There is no other way to describe this letter that a 7-year old boy living in a domestic violence shelter with his mother has written. This 7-year old boy could have been my son had I decided to stay in an abusive relationship. Children see, feel, and experience domestic violence in their homes a lot more than people may think. His letter has gone viral and just at 7-years old he has impacted and touched the lives of many. He is courageous for expressing himself to 'Santa' the way he did. It is also interesting to see the items he asked for, he didn't ask for anything major did he?! 

The most important wish on that letter was a "very very very good dad." Money can buy the chapter books, dictionary, and compass watch that he asked for but it can't buy the most important wish he listed. In other words he asked for a dad that wasn't abusive. He asked for the trauma and pain to stop. He asked for a dad that wouldn't be mean to him or his mother. That request does not come with a set dollar amount. More importantly what he is asking for is not a lot. He deserves a healthy and happy home and that is why his mother made the decision to leave. 

​His mother is truly his hero and she may not feel like she is because they are starting over and she may feel like she doesn't have much to give him at this point in time. One thing is for sure she is trying to give him a better quality of life and she took that first step when she decided to leave the abuse. Although we do not know her story personally she made the right decision by fleeing her abusive relationship. Based on how her 7-year old expresses himself it seems like she is doing a great job in raising him. Kudos to all the mothers out there trying to raise children in this world the way it is. Remember if you or someone you may know is dealing with abuse please do not hesitate to contact the DV hotline 800.799.7233.


(Photo credit to Safe Haven of Tarrant County) ​