I Wonder: The Life of a Foster Child

Have you ever truly thought about foster children? Have you wondered how they ended up in foster care? What their lives must be like?

For many years, I've been involved with an organization that provides a week-long camp for foster children. https://www.forthechildren.org/about-us/camps "Royal Family KIDS Camp fosters resiliency, self-esteem, hope, and positive memories."

The camp aims to instill hope for the future in these children and demonstrate the love of God. They are provided with numerous opportunities to just be a kid, have fun, and escape the pressures of their everyday lives.

After volunteering at fifteen of these camps through the years, I wrote the following. I hope you enjoy it!

I Wonder

I wonder

What it feels like to have a home

Or what it's like to be held when you're scared?

I wonder

What it's like to be "everything" to just one person

Or what it's like to feel loved and cherished?

I wonder

How it feels to have your own bedroom

And to pick out your own comforter or pictures for the walls?

I wonder

If my Mom and Dad ever think about me, miss me, or cry about me

And if they know how much I love them and miss them and always will?

I wonder

How it would feel to have Christmas in the same house with the same family every year

And what it's like to have a birthday party just for you?

I wonder

Why I never get to stay at a house for long

Even when I do everything I'm supposed to?

I wonder

If I'll ever be at a school long enough to learn and make friends

And if my old friends even remember me?

I wonder

Why I was born if my own parents didn't want me

And what's going to happen to me?

I wonder

Why losing my family wasn't enough

Why I also have to be made fun of and laughed at?

I wonder

If my brothers and sisters are okay

And if they cry at night like I do?

I wonder

What it's like to be a normal kid who plays and laughs and has fun

Who doesn't have to worry all the time and act like everything's okay?

I wonder

What it's like to feel safe

And not be afraid about what happens when the lights go out?

I wonder

If I'll ever see my family again

And if anyone will ever really love me?

My life is full of wondering!

I wonder...

Will it ever be full of love?

If this post speaks to you, please feel free to comment or ask questions!