Dave Pelzer, a victim of childhood abuse, has dedicated his life to helping others help themselves. It 1995 he published his memoir, A Child Called It, and has inspired others to persevere and reach their fullest potential. Rarely has a book reached such levels of despair and hope. On a personal note A Child Called It was one of the major factors that inspired me to become a foster parent.
In spite of the abuse and neglect you suffered, you became a success academically, in the military and in civilian life. Many foster children are not so lucky. What were some of the factors that made a positive difference in your life?
I was always hungry to better myself… I simply wanted it more. In addition, there is a lot of luck in life and I was lucky.
Your books motivated many people. Were there any letters from readers that had a profound effect on you?
I receive hundreds of thousands of letters from all over the world and every one is dear to my heart.
Did you suffer from PTSD?
Not that I am aware of, but the older I get, I’m more sensitive to the value of life.
You survived almost unspeakable abuse. For example, your mother made you sit on top of a burning stove. Afterwards, she beat you mercilessly. How did this experience change your view of your mother and of yourself?
It was that event that made me realize I had to take a sense of control. I had to do something for me. Knowing I could not change the exterior environment, I had to change my internal outlook of my situation, which became a God is my witness moment.
Have we made any progress as a society in regard to child abuse and foster care? Have we taken any steps backward?
We have taken nothing but positive strides in the campaign to protect our children. These folks [social workers] are our unsung heroes.
How did military service affect your life?
It gave me stability and something to strive for. It became a surrogate family.
What would you like to say to the social workers you dealt with in the past?
Thank you – Thank you – Thank you!
What was it like when your father left home and abandoned your family?
Honestly, that was probably the lowest part of my life.
Do you maintain contact with any biological relatives?
Both parents are deceased, and unfortunately my siblings and I are not that close.
During my time as a foster parent I was always shocked at the influence of drugs and alcohol. What was their impact on your childhood?
None, I always had a linear focus on bettering myself, working 40-60 hours every week, and I knew at a young age that drugs or alcohol would deter me from those goals.
I understand you have a film project in pre-production. When do you think the film version of A Child Called It will appear in theaters?
It is hard to say, because as of now it is a slow process. What I am fighting for and what I am adamant about is a heartfelt inspirational message of resilience.
Did you have to tone things down to convert the book into a film?
I don’t believe it is necessary to show needless violence but rather the raw childhood determination that we all experience.
What finally led to you being removed from your home?
I didn’t know until twenty years after the fact, when I met one of my teachers that saved me, why they finally intervened. He told me that my arms had little to no skin from a recent chemical burn. He and the other teachers believed if they didn’t intervene at that moment, I would perish. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for their love and dedication.
Do you have any advice on forgiveness?
Forgiving someone who wronged you doesn’t mean you have to forget. Forgiveness empowers you to be free from your past in order to move forward.
What are the keys to building resilience?
We’ve all been though something, and at the time we are facing the issue it is never easy and never fair. Yet, when push comes to shove, you have to DO something, and sometimes that one thread becomes a rope that pulls you out of your hole. Multiply that by 1,000 and apply it to every aspect of your life – that’s resilience.
What projects are you working on now?
I am proud to say I am working on the film project. As a young foster child, my only escape was to see movies so this is quite an adventure for me, other than that, I’m still serving my community as best I can. To me life is about living a good adventure. Every Day! For in the course of a life, one never knows what events may transpire.
Check out Dave Pelzer’s Amazon Author’s Page and his website, www.davepelzer.com. Keep an eye out for his upcoming movie, A Child Called It.
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski