Sometimes they think they are nothing.
This isn't the first time that we received a thank you note from a wish recipient that included some form of the phrases "I felt like nothing." or "It seemed like no one cared." or "I didn't think I was worth it."
But reading and hearing these phrases over and over doesn't make them any less shocking or painful.
These are human beings who feel like they literally do not matter.
How do you dream when you feel that way?
How do you convince yourself to get up and put in effort every day?
How do you look around and see opportunities?
It's heartbreaking that there are so many among us who don't think that their lives have meaning, and while a laptop doesn't seem like it would change that feeling, it did for Renicia.
This is what she wrote in her thank you note after receiving her wish for a laptop to help her in college:
"My heart is beyond filled with joy. For my last birthday the only gift I got was from myself. Last Christmas I received nothing and this past Thanksgiving I spent the day crying. I've never been thought about. I've always felt like nothing.
When I saw what you gave me, my dream goal became a reality in my head. My dream to write my story. My dream to go to college and become a lawyer. I seriously cried when I opened my gift. I couldn't stop telling people about it. This is the best surprise ever. I'm so sad I can't give you a hug!"
Every single time that a wish is submitted to our team, we read it as if it is about to do this very thing that this wish did...
remind someone that yes, they matter.
Yes, they are needed. And no, they are not nothing.
Danielle and The OSW Team
