Last night a group of us from It Happens to Boys went back to the facility here in the desert that houses boys ages 6-14 who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, to have a Christmas party.  As expected, it was a lot of fun.

We had pizza and then played some games.  Everyone from our group pitched in and bought each of the 24 boys a gift card to Target.  It was a small token gift, but one that they seemed to really appreciate.  We figured this way they could buy something they wanted.  Maybe a CD or DVD.

One of the boys who did not participate in last month's gathering (instead chose to sit and stay still), really opened up last night. It was so cool.  What seemed to stand out about this for me was something I've learned about children.  They crave structure. And maybe all this young boy needed was to know that we are going to consistently come there and spend time with them.  At least that's what my intuition told me.  And I'm glad to be that for him.  They've faced some ugliness in their young lives and need to know that there are adults in the world who do care about them and their well being.