The remarkable story of a couple who risked everything to open their home–and their hearts–to answer an abandoned child’s wish.It was a small note buried in the file of a deeply troubled eleven-year-old boy–a plea for a normal life Rich and Sue Miniter couldn’t ignore:The Things I Want MOST:A familyA fishing poleA familyThe Miniters heard in that simple note the voice of a frightened child who … voice of a frightened child who wanted what all children want and need: someone to love who would love them in return.
So they brought Mike home to the cozy country inn they’d restored and managed in rural upstate New York. There, over the next year, they would try to make Mike’s dream come true. But first they would have to work through the fear, anger, and distrust that accompanied this boy who had lived his whole life with the label “severely emotionally disturbed.” For the biggest obstacle to Mike’s happiness was Mike himself, who gave the Miniters every reason to give up but one–the power of love.
When Richard and Sue Miniter decided to open their home–and their hearts–to a foster child, they couldn’t imagine the frustrations and joys, the breakthroughs and setbacks, not to mention the emotional toll, that awaited them. Here is the remarkable true story of how their lives changed forever with their decision to answer an abandoned child’s wish for THE THINGS I WANT MOST. –>
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An inside view of caring for an emotionally scarred child and the toll it takes and the sacrifice one must be willing to make to help wounded individuals heal. Thanks to the author for letting us inside the family struggle.
This book is heavy, but honest and real content. It’s not a whimsical, light read, but nor is it intended to be. I learned a lot about kindness, love, mental illness and social work. Worth your time!
Foster children aren’t easy. By definition, they’ve been through some hard times. But with endless patience and determination, foster parents can turn a troubled child into an adult with scars instead of open wounds.
anyone working with foster children need to read this book.
I would have given a higher rating, but there were a fair amount of typos and punctuation errors (or missed punctuation altogether) that shouldn’t have been missed, in my opinion.
The story itself was a realistic account, though somewhat tragic, of this specific family’s foster care experience. I read it thinking it might be a good book to recommend to people considering becoming a foster parent… and after reading it, I don’t think I would. Particularly because of their experience with the fostering agency. While it is important for foster parents to realize the very real struggles of fostering a child with a history of trauma, this particular family was clearly ill prepared for what they were signing up for. (At whose fault? I’m not sure.) Also, the book gave me the predisposition that there are lots of ridiculous rules with no true teamwork – which may be the case in this family’s situation – but could set the wrong tone for potential foster parents depending on each specific fostering agency.
I started reading this book but stopped when I came to the place where the name of my Savior Jesus was used in an inappropriate way. I refuse the read books that take His Precious Name in vain.
What remarkable patience this family showed in helping a young, troubled boy.
I enjoyed reading this family’s journey of taking in a foster child. As someone who works with special needs children, even with training and years of experience, there is a constant process of trying to understand why a behavior presents itself. I applaud their love and perseverance.
Having a nephew on the autism spectrum, albeit high functioning, so many of the problems the book touches on have been experienced first hand by my family members. Loved that the writer and his family didn’t give up on Mike. A moving read!
Every prospective foster or adoptive parent needs to read this.
This is a realistic and yet hopeful book about a family who decides to foster a young boy who is badly broken emotionally and delayed in learning, in skills, and in social aptitude by his life experiences.
Amazing story about amazing people.
As a former foster parent, I take great hope from the book.
A great story of people who won’t give up on a child others say is beyond help. A great read that makes one wonder how many other children are set aside as too troubled to care about