Sam

My name is Sam, I am 7 years old, and this was my best Christmas ever.

My family doesn't live together any more. I wish my dad could be around more often, but things are better now it's just mum and me. They used to fight - a lot. One time Dad hurt Mum so bad her mouth was bleeding and she wouldn't stop crying. It was really scary.

After that the police came to our house. It was late at night, and I was wearing my pyjamas but I still had to go with the police lady right away. They sent me to live with Mr and Mrs Baxter for a while. I really hated being in foster care. Mr and Mrs Baxter were nice and they bought me a Ben10 doona, but I didn't like being at their place. The whole time I lived in foster care I just wanted to go home and see if my mum was ok. I was worried about my dog Cody too. Dad used to belt her all the time. I wondered if she was hungry, because it was my job to give her dinner.

At least I had some friends at my old school but at my new school the kids teased me because I didn't have a real family. At lunch time I would sit under the stairs. I really hoped I could go home for Christmas.

After a few weeks Mrs Baxter took me to ACT for Kids. It was awesome because Mum was there and the counsellors were so cool. Sometimes it was very serious but they were fun too. It was the first time Mum and I laughed and did stuff together - the first time ever, I think. Going to see my mum at ACT for Kids was my favourite time of the week.

Now I live with Mum and Cody in our new house and things are much, MUCH better. Dad lives in another house with his friend Bruce. I haven't seen his place yet, but he picked me up last week from Gran's house and we had a fun day at Seaworld. He was really happy the whole time. When it was time to go he said, "You were a good boy today and I’m proud of you".

The next day was Christmas Day. Gran and Aunty Jane came over to our house for lunch and brought more food than I have ever seen! Santa brought me a Transformer mask and a Nintendo DS game, but my favourite present was a scooter from my dad. It was my best Christmas ever!

Please help a kid like Sam this Christmas...

ACT for Kids will reach out to around 2,000 kids this Christmas. Please donate to our Christmas appeal and help us provide food, presents and a happy home - all the simple things which make Christmas special for kids. As a thank you, we'll send you a special pop-out tree ornament as a reminder of the help you've given to a child this Christmas. 

If you would like to help abused kids this Christmas, please go to www.actforkidswishlist.com.au

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