Dear Mother,
I am a mother and live in what was once a wonderful town in a wonderful neighborhood. You know I could be anywhere USA!
Since 2002, my home has been broken into twice. The first time, I had just come home from church on a Sunday evening (still light outside) and a policeman was in my back yard with my neighbor. My neighbor had heard three boys trying to break into my back door. He went out his back door and screamed at them. I wish he had called 911 first but he didn’t. Of course, they ran. When arriving in my driveway, I noticed several items strewn in the yard. I guess they just needed to steal something so they stole a bag of flower pots!
Last year, my child and I arrived home from dinner out and walked into my house to find a boy standing in my living room. He had just broken in and after making eye contact with me, he disappeared as I grabbed my child and fell off of my front porch trying to get her out of the way. She fell on top of me and I just knew something was broken. It was not. I have never been so frightened in all of my life!
Recently, a young man stole my lawn mower. I saw the security light come on in my carport. When I peeped out, I saw the boy. (a clear shot) I called 911 and the police arrived probably within two minutes but the boy, who may be your son and my lawn mower were gone!
The point of my letter is: One of these children could have been your son! They were well-groomed and looked like normal teenagers. Have you noticed that I have not said what color their skin was? It doesn’t matter. People that I have told about my stories have told me to get a gun and use it. People are scared and are ready to protect their property at any cost. Please know what your children are doing every hour of every day. If you suspect that they are running with the wrong crowd, stop them before it is too late. If they are showing signs of having money that you have no idea where it came from, investigate! Don’t let your child be gunned down while he is still a child! There are gangs right here in our wonderful city and people are arming themselves!
Our schools have wonderful drug programs while your children are small! A ten-year old will tell you that he would never mess with drugs! What happens to them that they would do drugs later as a teen and would rob anyone to be able to keep up that habit? It’s got to start at home, folks! Please be responsible parents. If you are a single parent and need help with a troubled child, contact someone to help you! Protect your child before it’s too late!
I will pray for you!
— Anonymous