Remember those who don’t have silent, peaceful nights
Naples Daily News Guest Commentary
December 9, 2018
By Linda Oberhaus
Occasionally here at The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, an advocate shares a story that especially touches my heart. This one involves the special holiday wish of a child, whom I will call Isaiah.
Although safe, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking are often crushed, dazed and disoriented when they enter our emergency shelter. They struggle because peace can take time to process. This is especially true during the holidays when peace on Earth and silent nights are distant memories at best for most survivors.
Throughout the year, our shelter staff does an amazing job of assisting survivors, but during the holidays, with the help of hundreds of volunteers, they go into overdrive, collecting gifts, decorating every nook of the emergency shelter and scheduling parties to help make the holidays brighter for our participants.
Last year, just before Christmas, a woman named Jessica and her two children came to our emergency shelter. Jessica had found the courage to take her children and leave her abusive boyfriend, but each time she found a family to take them in, he would hunt them down, endangering everyone involved. On one occasion, he found Jessica and beat her so badly that she ended up in the hospital, where medical staff referred her to our shelter.
It was very difficult for Jessica to bring her children to an emergency shelter during the holiday season. Over the course of their first few days in our shelter, a staff member set up a special mailbox to collect children’s letters to Santa Claus. The letters allowed the children to share their wishes as well as the opportunity for shelter staff and volunteers to make those wishes come true.
While reading through the letters, one advocate stopped to wipe away a tear. In her hand, she held the letter from Jessica’s 7-year-old son Isaiah. It simply read, “Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a house for me and my family.”
It was his only wish. Something that most of us take for granted — a safe place to live — was the greatest gift this 7-year-old could imagine for himself and his family.
Isaiah received several toys and some new clothes that year, but thanks to The Shelter and its many service partners, he eventually got his special Christmas wish. During her time at The Shelter, Jessica was empowered to take charge of her life. She secured a job and saved up enough money to move her family into a tiny, one-bedroom apartment. Although small in size, having their own place was a big accomplishment for Jessica and a dream come true for Isaiah.
Each day, with your help, The Shelter works to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking through advocacy, empowerment and social change. One might call these services the gifts that truly keep on giving.
As we each celebrate our reason for the season, we should be mindful of those among us trapped in abusive situations who, sadly, will not have a peace-filled holiday. This year, like Isaiah, may you find true peace and joy in the simple things — a roof over your head, food on the table and friends and family with whom to share these gifts.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, call The Shelter’s Crisis Line at 239-775-1101.
