Badassamys: Tales of the World's Most Badass Family

ReMoved

UPDATE: The makers of this lovely film are making Removed Part Two and need your help in getting it funded. Please view, donate & share!

I woke up this morning to this lovely short film in my inbox. A sweet friend, who has devoted her professional life to therapeutic foster care issues, sent it along with the words, “Shelley: for those days you wonder ‘why’.”

I’m unsure of how the makers of this film so completely understand the path of a foster child, but I suspect at least one of them has shared the path of this little girl. This film is especially poignant for me, because my children came to me one at a time, which will resonate once you’ve seen the film. Please view and share. My heart is full of tears and love for these artists.

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92 responses to “ReMoved”

  1. Candace Avatar
    Candace

    This is a very powerful film. Thank you for sharing it.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      You’re welcome! Thanks for viewing.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer Keener Avatar
    Jennifer Keener

    I work with a group of therapists that provide trauma counseling services to fostered and foster to adopted children. Can we have permission to show this in therapy sessions, and to put on our website?

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Jennifer, I didn’t create the video – I just shared it. You can contact the filmmaker via his website at http://www.heschle.com or nathanael@heschle.com.

      Reply
    2. Jeremy Reum Avatar
      Jeremy Reum

      Yes

      Reply
  3. Cherri Avatar
    Cherri

    Thanks for sharing the film. Having been foster mom to more than 20 children and adopting 5 of them – this film is a great reminder of what our kids have been through and why they exhibit the behaviors we see so often.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      You’re welcome! Thanks for viewing and for all the good that you do.

      Reply
  4. sabrina Avatar
    sabrina

    This film did an amazing job of portraying foster children. It is easy to give up on a child, the real work is working through all the emotional turmoil and building trust. These poor children didn’t do anything and yet they keep getting their hearts and hopes crushed.

    Amazing work on the film!

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you, Sabrina, but I didn’t create the film – I just shared it. Look up to view contact information for the creators. I’m sure they’d like to hear from you.

      Reply
  5. Michelle Pohl Avatar
    Michelle Pohl

    Powerful film…

    Reply
  6. daveluther Avatar
    daveluther

    Reblogged this on Pastor Dave.

    Reply
  7. rhonda Avatar
    rhonda

    This was really done good. I think anyone who works in the foster care program needs to watch this film

    Reply
  8. Sara Kjeldsen Avatar
    Sara Kjeldsen

    This was excellent and heart breaking. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      You’re welcome. Thank you for viewing!

      Reply
  9. Tonya Avatar
    Tonya

    Tears are running down my face as I watch this beautiful short film. So wonderfully real and true.

    Reply
  10. ReMoved | Appreciating Life's Journeys

    […] Watch the film: ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  11. Jade McKenzie Avatar
    Jade McKenzie

    It is a very good Video, but not sure why it just cuts off at the end. Both me and my hubby thought it was weird the way it ended.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      That’s interesting. How did you expect it to end?

      Reply
  12. SB Avatar
    SB

    This was powerful to me. My heart breaks for children like this. And yet I was one of two birth children in a family where my parents took in foster children and ended up adopting 8 of them. My sister and I were abused by these adopted and foster children in every way possible. So I have mixed feelings. I feel like a liason for birth children in a family where parents are hoping to foster and adopt. there is pain on both sides….

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Foster/adoption is definitely complicated. Thanks for sharing your story.

      Reply
  13. Gina Jones Avatar
    Gina Jones

    I’ve started a program in East Texas called Duffels for H.O.P.E. We provide bags for children entering (and moving within) the foster care system so they don’t have to put everything they own in a bag they know garbage belongs in. Find us on Facebook. Thank you for doing this video.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      I have found you, and I’ve liked your page. Thank you for what you do! My girls thankfully had a lovely foster family before me and came with tons of clothes and toys, but my son arrived with the clothes on his back and two left shoes in different sizes.

      Reply
    2. Jessica Lynne Avatar
      Jessica Lynne

      I love that. I’m a social worker and the black trash bags is the saddest thing

      Reply
  14. caitlinjn Avatar
    caitlinjn

    Reblogged this on Borderline and commented:
    Wow. So amazing.

    Reply
  15. ggbolt16 Avatar
    ggbolt16

    Reblogged this on Reflections of a Pastor Couple and commented:
    This is one of the hardest things I’ve watched in a long time. It’s also one of the most important.

    Reply
  16. Mary Avatar
    Mary

    It is truly heart breaking that some children should have to go through so much hurt in their young lives, My daughter Susan is a foster mum, I am so proud of her, and for all she has done for the little ones that were placed in her care, also I have a lot of respect for all the other foster mums, they are all special kind of people.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you for supporting your daughter! Not all family members are supportive of foster/adoption. Thankfully my mom is incredible. But I have friends whose parents were adamant that they were ruining their lives. Best to you.

      Reply
  17. Dianne Avatar
    Dianne

    Beautiful. From a foster mom with tears running down her face!

    Reply
  18. Darlene Avatar
    Darlene

    Wow … simply Wow. Beautifully full of hope =)

    Reply
  19. winda amelia Avatar
    winda amelia

    Reblogged this on winda amelia and commented:
    This movie can clearly describe the feeling as a child

    Reply
  20. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Thank you so much for making and sharing this film. It’s exactly what my former foster care children/clients have tried to explain so many times…and it still brings tears. If the whole country could see it, priorities might change…

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Rachel, I love the film, too, but I did not make it. Go to http://www.heschle.com/ to learn about the people who created it. Thanks for your kind words!

      Reply
  21. ReMoved | •• RIGHTEOUS WILDFLOWER ••

    […] ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  22. eguidry2013 Avatar
    eguidry2013

    Reblogged this on •• RIGHTEOUS WILDFLOWER •• and commented:
    My Purpose in Life

    Reply
  23. pmclarke Avatar
    pmclarke

    My wife and I were foster parents for 25 years and had over 50 babies,we adopted four of them ,this clip definitely is extremely well done.But unfortunately,only those of us who are involved have any clue what its really like.I just hate seeing hurting people

    I have never done anything so rewarding,challenging or frustrating nor cried as much in my whole life as being a foster dad

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you to your and your wife for all that you’ve done!

      Reply
  24. fosteradoptionblog Avatar
    fosteradoptionblog

    Reblogged this on Foster Adoption Blog and commented:
    If you haven’t seen this, it’s worth the time to watch….

    Reply
  25. vancouverstuntgirl Avatar
    vancouverstuntgirl

    I was a foster child. I can’t believe how much this video touched me! It brought it all back yet made me feel better about what I have been through and how I survived. No one should give up on these kids, they are all important. And maybe if people see this they will understand, “why” I act the way I do some days. Thanks for this!! ❤

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you for sharing! I hope my children will one day understand that their experience is a gift. They have such a better perspective on what’s important in life than most 40-year-olds, and they can put that to use to make the world a better place. I know you never asked for the treatment you received, so I don’t mean to be glib. I just think the negative doesn’t have to define us. Best to you.

      Reply
      1. vancouverstuntgirl Avatar
        vancouverstuntgirl

        Indeed! I am stronger for having been a foster child and though at times it was hard, I learned so much and in many ways and I am grateful! I wish there were more people like the last foster mom in the video, out there! Once again, amazing job, thank you thank you!

  26. wendy Avatar
    wendy

    Wow! This clip opened my eyes of the foster children all over, very deep and saddening, hurts my heart to see children go through this at young ages, i have 4 of my own and love my kids but wouldnt mind working on bringing foster children into my home but this will be a long process i still want to do

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Wendy, there’s a resources page on my blog if/when you decide to become a foster parent.

      Reply
  27. AllieB Avatar
    AllieB

    Reblogged this on Cook. Sew. Write. and commented:
    I’ve known a few people, including some very close to me, that have taken on the responsibility to care for kids that are not their own. And I’ve seen more than one outcome for those kids. Thankfully, most were positive, but definitely not without their fare share of negative. This short film gave me an insight into what they might have experienced behind closed doors. I am lucky, that even though I’m from a broken home, it was not one without tons of love. Maybe a little confusion and unease while dealing with being shuffled back and forth between homes, or what to do when you parents both buy you the same present and worrying about hurting their feelings if you ask to return one. I know that sounds trivial, truly a first world problem if I’ve ever heard one, but it was a problem I faced more than once as a child. I dealt with jealousy of other kids whose families were still intact. But even with those issues, I always knew I was loved.

    My heart truly breaks for these kids. Since my son was born I’ve become ultra sensitive to issues dealing with kids being mistreated in any way. My favorite crime TV shows are no longer my favorites because it seemed that every episode consisted of a child be harmed or traumatized in some way, and I just can’t handle it anymore. Lately, my Facebook newsfeed has been bombarded with news stories being shared about horrendous acts of violence toward these innocent beings that deserve none of it. I see this and I’m immediately enraged and deeply conflicted that someone would share something so horrible. Enraged at the fact this heart shattering, gut wrenching news headline was thrown into my view and not by my own choice. Enraged that they would give these people even more exposure, some of which crave and feed on the attention of their sick and twisted actions that, most likely, spurs from a damaged childhood of their own. Deeply conflicted between the latter and the understanding that these tiny, innocent voices need to be heard, and helped. Learning of those stories and knowing that the damage to those kids has been done made me feel helpless. It makes you worry for your own kids. It pissed me off.

    I apologize, this was meant to be a simple reblog. But it seems that this topic has dredged up some feelings and thoughts that I’ve kept bottled up. I’ve ultimately decided that I can’t shelter myself from these things by shoving my head in sand, I have to face them. I can’t do much for these kids. I’m not rich enough, nor am I empowered with the therapeutic skills to help them with their trauma. But the least I can do is share this video which tells their story while their lives remain private.

    Reply
  28. Juanita Rubio Avatar
    Juanita Rubio

    Oh my God can soo relate to her, CPS wasn’t around yet so I was sent to different aunts and uncles. Later I lost ( Gave ) because of bad choices CPS removed my 9 children. They were in more than 20 foster homes over 13 years. Not everyone who works for the Dept. CPS are there by their compassion. I have even had foster parent refer to my children as Tax Exemptions 😦 I clung to God because I had no one in my corner, I finished all parenting classes went back to school, got and kept my job and permanent housing all to no avail. I am currently going to court my baby is 17 have not seen her in 4 yrs. Two of my daughters were sexually abused, two are cutters, and EMO’s Two had children in Foster care. The stories my children could tell would make you literally sick. My God is faithful and we ALL will answer for our sins. I have prayed He is merciful and forging of them. God Bless you, may the work you continue to do be Blessed.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Ms. Rubio, thank you for sharing. Your story is powerful. I always hoped that my children would be reunited with their biological parents, but their biological parents just didn’t have the resources to overcome their own hurdles. Kudos to you for finishing parenting classes, obtaining housing and a job. And, I assure you, foster parents are as aware of some workers’ lack of compassion as the biological parents are, unfortunately. I’m sorry for your experience. May I ask in what country/state you live?

      Reply
  29. ReMoved: Sad, but all too common saga of hurting children. | Gerda Peachey's Views

    […] 19, 2014 // 0  Fiction based on real life. http://shelleycadamymunoz.com/2014/03/09/removed/     […]

    Reply
  30. Nick Herrera Avatar
    Nick Herrera

    My sister and I are spear heading a local awareness campaign for foster home recruitment. I’ve held little girls and told them they would see there brothers and wondered if it was a lie. I’ve told little boys there mommies love them, even though mom is looking at life in prison. I held my now adopted brother at a day old after his mother was taken to rehab. The need is so huge, all they need is love. It’s in our copacity too. This film was wonderful and as a college age guy I’m proud to say tears streamed down my face. Thank you to those that made it.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you for your efforts, Nick. Though it’s well intentioned, the “all they need is love” comment is a serious understatement that gets a lot of people into trouble. I learned the hard way that I was smothering my kids with my caring. Until they’re stabilized and can begin to love themselves, love from others is overwhelming. I know that’s counter-intuitive, which makes things really, really difficult.

      Reply
  31. Gina Avatar
    Gina

    We are foster parents in the process of adopting. Ever foster/ adoptive parent should see this. We were impressed. It was very real and accurate. It served as a reminder of our sons path and pain. The mother running toward the Dad rather than daughter. The visits, the case worker in and out of the car. The ” trigger” of the dress. The concern about the sibling, the fear at the front door. All very real to us. This is very well done.

    Reply
  32. Jascintah Avatar
    Jascintah

    very inspiring and sad story. This is truly happening everyday in Uganda. I saw on the new a five year old girl taking care of a four month old brother in one of the IDP camps in Uganda. God help such children and to all people out there, reach out your hand to help such children because it all not their fault; not at all.

    Reply
  33. Finding Hope's Sunshine Avatar
    Finding Hope’s Sunshine

    You are a remarkable woman. Glad to have you on board with my blog. I am honored to know you. Meghan

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you, Meghan! And, thanks for reading my blog.

      Reply
  34. Fosterbarn… | enannenvei Avatar
    Fosterbarn… | enannenvei

    […] ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  35. Fosterbarn.. | enannenvei Avatar
    Fosterbarn.. | enannenvei

    […] http://shelleycadamymunoz.com/2014/03/09/removed/ […]

    Reply
  36. Marsha Ann Avatar
    Marsha Ann

    This is my post from FB when I shared the video:

    Watching the short film Removed written by Christina Matanick was probably the most difficult thing I have done in some time. It is very heart-wrenching, touching, emotional and true all at the same time. Finally, someone has truly portrayed the truth of a foster child. Most do not understand “why” I hope that this opens a few eyes.

    I felt like I was watching a movie about my life. This was me from age 4-15, being moved around from home to home; 15 to be exact. You never know why you are being moved, but of course you always think it’s because of you. “Was I not good enough?” “Did I do something wrong?”

    All I wanted to do was take care of my little brother. I didn’t care what happened to me. I tried so hard to protect him, but being separated from him many times it was very difficult to do. How can you protect a sibling when you can barely protect yourself?

    I know what it feels like to have to fill that trash bag with your ‘stuff’, and trust me, it was never much.

    Unfortunately I did not have all loving sweet foster parents, only a few. Most of the homes there was mental, physical or sexual abuse (or all of them) in the home. Either by the parents, the other foster children or their own children.

    One thing that I wish adults, who come in contact with a foster child knew, was their background. Like most teachers- they judged. That is not fair to the child. I always got told, “Had I not been told, I would have never guessed you were a foster child”

    You get to the point where you can’t be hurt anymore. Numb is all you feel, because if you’re not then it lessens the chance you will get hurt again. I had foster families want to adopt me, I was very thankful that I finally had a case worker that actually listened to what I had to say about the family.

    The hardest thing to come to terms with, No it is not your fault. When you finally do there is so much more peace with in.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Thank you for sharing your story.

      Reply
  37. onemunchingmomma Avatar
    onemunchingmomma

    Reblogged this on Onemunchingmomma. Definitely a must see!

    Reply
  38. onemunchingmomma Avatar
    onemunchingmomma

    Reblogged this on 1munchingmomma and commented:
    I came across this video on my Facebook page. I went past the link once, then twice. On the third time, I stopped and clicked on the video link. I am so glad I did!
    Having worked with troubled teens for a few years, this video resonated with the issues we faced many times, day in and day out. It was so easy to get caught up in the frustration over the behavior, but how much these children need people in their lives who can see the pain inside!

    Reply
  39. Leslie Avatar
    Leslie

    Speechless…

    Reply
  40. Vivian Kay Avatar
    Vivian Kay

    Reblogged this on Vivian Kay.

    Reply
  41. michaelat21sttao Avatar
    michaelat21sttao

    I’m very encouraged about short vid’s like this one and thank you, Shelley, for posting it. It was quite painful for me to watch, because when I was a child I lived what the video depicts, minus being ‘removed’ because there was no one there to ‘remove’ me. That said, I am so very glad there is better awareness today as well as many, many fost/adopt parents, making intervention possible.

    I also want to say Thank You to all foster care moms and dads, who give kids in crisis homes which are non violent and where there is love, acceptance, peace and safety. May God BLESS YOU in every way, for all your sacrifice and love, for children not your own. You do more good than you possibly know !!!

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      You’re welcome. And, thank you for sharing your story.

      Reply
  42. Kevin Evans Avatar
    Kevin Evans

    POWERFUL, Hard Hitting short film… Congratulations!!!

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, but I didn’t create the film-I just shared it.

      Reply
  43. Chrissy Avatar
    Chrissy

    Beautiful message. Great film.

    Reply
  44. ReMoved | Beautiful Intellect

    […] ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  45. jenniferlynn92 Avatar
    jenniferlynn92

    Reminds me of being in the system..
    Talk about a flashback.

    Reply
    1. cadamy Avatar
      cadamy

      Hope it wasn’t traumatic. Several people have made similar comments here. Best to you.

      Reply
      1. jenniferlynn92 Avatar
        jenniferlynn92

        I write about my experience on my blog, i share my story.

      2. cadamy Avatar
        cadamy

        Can you share a link to your blog here? I’d like to read it.

      3. jenniferlynn92 Avatar
        jenniferlynn92

        http://thecrazyadventuresofafosterteen.wordpress.com

      4. cadamy Avatar
        cadamy

        Thank you!

      5. jenniferlynn92 Avatar
        jenniferlynn92

        No problem!

  46. labellavitacosmetico Avatar
    labellavitacosmetico

    Reblogged this on La Bella Vita Cosmetico's Blog.

    Reply
  47. k.la evans Avatar
    k.la evans

    Reblogged this on Perchance to Dream and commented:
    THIS is why I will continue to get well.
    THIS is why I will live, so that no child that is put in my care will have to live like this.

    I will live life well so I can help others do the same.

    I can’t wait to be a foster parent.

    Reply
  48. Danie May Avatar
    Danie May

    Funny that I stumbled across this video and your blog tonight. As a foster mum I have just had to comfort a young boy in tears who is confused and wondering why he has been removed from his home. Its totally gut wrenching at such times when there really isn’t anything you can say that will comfort them, you just have to distract them from their concerns. There are days where as a carer you do wonder why even though you know the statistics and trauma these children are going through.

    It doesn’t matter how old the child is or what abuse or neglect they have endured the scars will remain with them in some way for life. Love truly is the greatest gift anyone can give and these children need it more than ever. Thank you Shelley for sharing this video and the work you are doing in raising awareness about fostering and children’s mental health. I agree things do need to change.

    Hopefully this video will inspire action even in the smallest of ways! I particularly hope it reaches those who are oblivious to what goes on beyond their own walls and those who do see it but choose not to act in the child’s best interests.

    Reply
  49. ReMoved | nidhirajain

    […] ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  50. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    This touched my heart in a way that nothing else ever could. It titally changed the way I look at people. It taught me to listen .with my whole being to another person’s story and understand that there are reasons people act the way they do. The only answer to it all is unconditional love. It is the only medicine, the only cure .

    Reply
  51. Nurture vs. Nature: Fostering Kids Can Make A Difference | Debra R. Borys Avatar
    Nurture vs. Nature: Fostering Kids Can Make A Difference | Debra R. Borys

    […] researching background on my character Booker T. Brooks for the next Street Stories novel, I found this blog by foster mother Shelley Cadamy.  She posted the video below that shows the life of a foster child through the girl’s own […]

    Reply
  52. Candace Sereno Avatar
    Candace Sereno

    Crushing

    Reply
  53. Week in Review: The First Obsession | Single Infertile Female

    […] ReMoved  […]

    Reply
  54. Jennifer Writings of a Mrs Avatar
    Jennifer Writings of a Mrs

    Reblogged this on Writings of a Mrs and commented:
    Please watch this video!

    Reply
  55. Ali Moloney Avatar
    Ali Moloney

    Amazing. Such a beautiful and apt video. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  56. adverbcreative Avatar
    adverbcreative

    wow. that, is powerful.

    Reply
  57. msgetthere Avatar
    msgetthere

    Reblogged this on Beginner at life and commented:
    This is my motivation. Why I chose to better myself so that I can continue to service children in the system.

    Reply
  58. Graham Avatar
    Graham

    Wow.
    Being a foster Carer myself, and coming from a troubled childhoodI can totally relate to this girl’s torment and disbelief in life, and herself!
    Very powerful film

    Graham
    Foster Carer
    Scotland

    Reply
  59. Debra L Trad Avatar
    Debra L Trad

    This video touched my heart so much. I had Foster Children to many years and I still feel like Foster Care was the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life.Thank You to all who find room in their Hearts and Homes for this extremely needed service to our abused and or neglected children.

    Reply
  60. ReMoved | jcole82

    […] ReMoved. […]

    Reply
  61. Removed Part Two | Shelley Cadamy

    […] months ago I wrote about an incredible film, Removed, that obviously resonated with you like it did me, because more […]

    Reply
  62. Victor Thunderchild Avatar
    Victor Thunderchild

    An interesting video. Amazingly enough during the 1960’s the Canadian Government along with the Department of Social Services and RCMP did a mass apprehension on First Nation Reserves and Metis Communities in Canada. They were the only ones targeted simply because they didn’t know how to be parents. The residential schools didn’t teach them how to be parents and no role models because they were taken at a young age. This version is very good and applicable to Canada if the child were Aboriginal. No matter what culture one comes from, being a foster child is horrible. Here in Canada the problem still persists, as the child said “I won’t let this define me”. Easy to say but hard for those caught in a system that denies them so many of the basic rights most of us have. That is to visit daily with loved ones.

    I would write more but not enough space. Do research on the “60’s scoop” in Canada and its impacts

    Reply
  63. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I have a love-hate relationship with this video. I love that it raises awareness of the foster child epidemic; however, it is painful to watch. I am so grateful we adopted my daughters young and they didn’t have to go through many foster homes.

    Reply
  64. Removed Part Two – Badassamys: Tales of the World's Most Badass Family Avatar
    Removed Part Two – Badassamys: Tales of the World's Most Badass Family

    […] months ago I wrote about an incredible film, Removed, that obviously resonated with you like it did me, because more […]

    Reply

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