[genmel]

I may be a little behind the world in reading these books, but I just had to get on here and suggest that if you are like me and way behind the times, to take some time and read these books, especially if you work with children. I just finished reading A Child Called It, The Lost Boy, and A Man Called Dave all by Dave Peltzer. OMG! As many of you know, I adopted my one and only child out of the foster care system. These books have touched my life in ways that I will never be able to express. I encourage everyone to read these books. The subject matter is tough, it deals with one of the worst cases of child abuse that has ever been reported, but it is a great book of how strong and resilient the human spirit is. Anyway, I felt led to post about these books because I feel as if these books might help someone on here in one way or another. Let me know if you have read them and what your thoughts are -I feel as if I will never look at my child the same again. I also feel like there is a reason I posted this and bigger reasons why I read the books.

[beckamarie]

Oh Man Mel, I read these book back when my kids were toddlers and bawled through the whole series. I have followed Dave since the early 1990's. He is an amazing man, he has another one out about his adult life and his dealing with his foster dads death, He is such an amazing man

[beckamarie]

Mel I also wanted to add until I read these books, I thought my childhood sucked, as I was abused by my Moms 2nd husband and later on by her, after reading what he went through I realized my life was a peace of cake compared to what he went through. He grew up and is a great man and father

[genmel]

I am so sorry that happened to you. Thank you for sharing. I am telling you I could not put these books down until they were finished and I prayed for him after reading them. I saw him on Oprah a long time ago, but the books are just unbelievable. I cried, I cheered, and realized how very lucky I am.

[beckamarie]

I think the hardest part for me was realizing why his mother treated ONLY him like that, what made her hate him so much. SHe is/was a sick lady. I realize everyday how lucky I am. I know I hug my kids extra hard everyday because of the impact those books had on my life

[genmel]

I am still kinda confused by that. I know the grandmother would some times put his mother in the closet for punishment and withhold food, but she was not like his mom and her abuse. It also bothered me that she picked him. He also says something about seeing the same abuse signs in his brother Russell, but that was never proven or talked about again. All I can say is these books have changed my life and one day, I will save them for my child to read. She was abused, nowhere near what dave went through, but I want her to know that she can persevere.

[beckamarie]

Mel if you dont mind my asking, how old was your little girl when you adopted her. I know she is very happy to be in your loving home. I often think about becoming a foster parent. With Will being gone so much I am not sure we would qualify, he and I have talked about becoming fosters and then adopting from there. I know there are so many children that need loving homes because they have not had that.
We took my 13 year old niece in a few years ago, she had been sexualy abused as well as physicaly. She was a handful and caused lots of heartache here, but I just couldnt not try and help her. It didnt work out and she chose to go back to her mother and the life she was use to. She is now 16 and pregnant with baby number 2. She always tells us how much she is thankful for us taking her in and putting up with her crap, I made her read the books by Dave, he even has a book for teens. I have it around here somewhere, I'll have to find it and let you know the name. It may be a good book for your daughter when she reaches her teens.
I just want to tell you, you are a GREAT mom and I am sure your daughter is so thankful for you and your hubby

[traciflud]

I know I read his first book years ago, and maybe the second. I thought my upbringing was abusive, and it was, but nothing compared to the abuse this man had to endure. When I read his story I cried, got angry, and then spent quite some time afterwards feeling so weird, just could not get him out of my thoughts. I spent alot of time pondering my own experiences with the abuse I endured, and really being angry at "they system" for missing not only the physical clues but the behavioral ones I exhibited too. I just felt so bad that the school system allowed his abuse to go on for so long without doing anything for him. He just astonishes me with how well he turned out in life, I have to say I feel guilty for holding so much resent in my life, when it dosnt even begin to compare to his.

[beckamarie]

Traci I felt the same emotions as you too. How did the school let it go for so long, was it the times? You know before it was required for them to report abuse? Isnt it amazing how we hold onto the anger we had as children but then realize how much worse life could of been. He is a survivor as we are, I admire him so much

[LittleLisaMarie]

I have been looking for some good books to read, now that i travel to work and have time.

I have been a nurse for about 14 years now, I have worked most of my career on the inpatient psychiatric units with children and adolesents, most of whom were in the foster care system. I also worked many years directly in the foster care system. And right now i work in a pre school with developmentally delayed and very at risk children. I admire anyone who takes a child into their home and loves them and raises them . You deserve a special recognition. There are so many children, espically here in the states who need loving homes. I wish there were more people who would adopt . Thank you.