Whew!

Whew, what a week. It is hard to worry, plan and prepare for something that is out there but still doesn’t exactly involve you. It is kind of like preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. But I have learned more about Child Predators in the last week than I ever cared to know.

The Y has decided to take a proactive approach and use this time as an opening to educate and counsel parents on how to discuss such serous subjects with their kids. We have sent notes to the parents of the kids in all of our programs, throughout every branch in our association. We have encouraged them to take the time to talk to their kids about good and bad behavior. We have placed info on our web site www.clevecoymca.org titled Special Information for Families.

We also have mailed out letters to the parents of kids that have come in direct contact with this coach over the past 3 seasons. This letter outlined how to talk to their children and what to do in case a child offers up some information. We met with the parents of the current team to answer their questions and to specifically listen to their needs. We have arranged to refer them to counseling if needed.

I know that this is a serious converstaion to have with your child but it is necessary. I feel like I almost have to teach my kids to trust no one!!! That makes for a sad world.

And my thoughts this week center around the young men who came forward with this horrific abuse. Thinking about them keeping this nightmare private for a decade makes my heart ache. Their unusual act of bravery to bring their story forward will probably save lives. Unfortunately we may not know for another decade if this accused predator has abused others. That is why your YMCA is taking great strides to say, "I know this is an awkward thing to talk about. But it is an important discussion and a necessary evil in today’s climate."

Our prayers will continue to be with those brave young men and their families. We will pray for the individuals out there in our world that are trying to bury a secret that just will not stay buried. And we need to pray for parents everywhere.

Today, those bad calls from the umpires seem so trivial. My son’s strike out with the tying run on third is not even a speck on my radar. But my desire to have my child, your child and every child grow up without the fear of all of the evil that is around us, fuels me! I stand resolute and committed.