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Mixed Emotions
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Mixed Emotions |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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Last night, about 8:30, my son was assaulted by three gunmen while walking home from a friend's house. (He is only fourteen, but tall, and appears more mature for that age.) They ordered him to the ground and picked through his pockets. When they discovered no valuables, he was kicked for being "a broke-ass expletive". Had a neighbor not opened his door and hollered at the assailants, I shudder to think what a very different day today might have been for me and my family. I wanted to share this with you all as a reminder to please hug your loved ones, and let go of the small differences that could waste precious time of that appreciation in your lives. I'm very grateful to the anonymous gentleman who came to my son's rescue, and intend to thank him personally tomorrow. (I was too rattled last night to think straight.) So if I'm not around the next few days, I am going to be spending alot of time hugging my kids. And if there's anything I would ask my friends to do for me, it's simply this: Please hug your family and let them know daily that you love them. If there are differences that seperate you, resolve them today. The chance to do that can be gone in the blink of an eye. Love to you all, and please remain as safe as you are possibly able. I'm a very very grateful mother today. |
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SEA 
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
I'm so glad that man stopped them. ...my heart breaks for your son having to go through that, and you and your family too. I'm so sorry...but glad he is ok. sending much love your way....(((hugs))) |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
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Cloud 9 Senior Member
since 2004-11-05
Posts 980Ca |
Thank God someone is watching over him. I am glad he is o.k.! That is great advice because I do everyday...kiss and hug both my kids. Hugs to you and your family.  |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
geesh...this and I was just thinking of planning a trip over there with a few friends of mine. Makes me scared. Sorry that this happened, Ser. Funny thing is that you were on my mind the other night.  I still have your number in my cell. Stay safe, and thanks for the reminder. All of my impurities are right here on my sleeve. This is Me"---Faith Hill |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
What an inane invasion of your world. Not much makes me angry - But this sort of intrusion surely does! Hugging my munchkins now... |
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Huan Yi Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688Waukegan |
There was a girl who was raped at 13 one night by a stranger, who upon coming home told her mother that she had fallen down on the sidewalk and broken her nose that way. She did that because the woman had before made her feel guilty about being born, children being a burden. So maybe the boy is lucky too in more ways than one. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
smiling here... my kids are home, safe, and we had a lovely dinner of smothered steak (with vidalia onion & mushrooms) accompanied by my son's beloved mashed potatoes. (no peas tonight--I didn't wanna argue) I am so grateful tonight, and exceedingly proud of my son's behavior throughout the entire ordeal. When asked for identifying marks on the assailants, he frankly admitted that he could see them in school tomorrow and not know the difference. He even explained street nuance behavior to the police, explaining that he was trying to get away, not identify. That fact didn't stop the police from stopping every black person in a ten block radius. And yes, we were put in the back of an undercover car, and chauffered from place to place for possible identification. The first guy in cuffs we encountered had to be about aged fifty. My son was disgusted too, protesting, "I told you, they were YOUNG." As the officer went to relay that info to the other officers in attendance, my son asked me, "isn't that profiling, Mom?" I shushed him. (I don't have the first idea of what police methods are, and actually, it was my first instinct to question anyone and everyone remotely resembling my son's description.) "But I feel sorry for him." Maybe I shouldn't have shushed him. But not once in this entire incident did my son assume a posture of victim, even though it would be completely understandable for him to do so. I'm proud. Relieved, and proud. And so heartachingly grateful. I learn from my children...and thanks all for listening. And John? Yanno? I say this without this least bit of animosity, but sometimes you come so close to describing me in your analogies that I squirm. The only difference here is that I was fourteen, and I didn't have to explain my bruises to anyone. No one ever asked. No one was home. (And that's what I meant about letting things go.) Today was my mother's birthday and I got the chance to produce a grandson for her, a second time. Nice, huh? I think so. Thanks all, just for being here. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Karen I'm so glad that he is ok...as well as you. Some blessings come in unusual packages...yes?  |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
no words |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
It sure makes you think...all it takes is one second to make a major difference in your life. I'm SO glad the outcome was good! And even though you want to hold him and keep him safe, he has to go back out into the world. Sigh. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh God, Karen, I'm so sorry this happened to him.... and to your family...sheeesh, I'm so glad he is ok. Many  Maree |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
oh boy, I'm so sorry, but so happy this was not worse...we never fully realize until it happens to us, do we? God bless you all |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Incredible how many people get sucked into a single crime. My heart is aching for you Karen and your family. I cannot imagine the emotions. But know you guys are in my prayers. I used to do Juvenile Probation so know too much about the system. Courage dear girl as you are the BEST. |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
My ex bought a ridiculously expensive bike for our then 11 year old, skinny (and truly good) son. As usual I wasn't consulted as to expense and purchased a cheap lock for it. I was off the next day when he came home...with his sisters on the bus! I inquired and he sheepishly admitted it was stolen from the bike rack. I grabbed him and bolted to the police station and asked for the chief. The big, lumbering clod acted like he couldn't be bothered and already fired up I just told my son "come on". We jumped in the van and I rode across the railroad tracks to the Black neighborhood (not half a mile away but distinct from my own street, 5 bedrooms with pool home) The first basketball court had two 15-16ish boys and a silver bike. "Come On" I said to a boy who looked as though he'd rather let them have the 300 dollar bike than confront them. Trailing in my shadow I confronted these surly punks in language they hadn't expected from a suburban "perckerwood" in a volume that carried to an appreciative audience of Black adults working on a church next door (who cheered and applauded as I loaded the bike up) I don't know what I'd have done (or yet might do) if any of my children are ever assaulted (I shudder). Your son acted admirably. Until we, as a nation, discuss the all too easy racial divisions, their roots, the overpasses that allow suburban flyovers avoiding the reality of segregation's ghettos and the fact that when we deal with each other we see no further than the skin color we can only expect more violence and aggression. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Jeez Karen...someone had to point me here. [She said you didn't put up a very descriptive "title" and I have to agree.] But you already know that I'm there with you in heart and spirit as we talked yesterday and I'm sorry I wasn't immediately here for you and your son... Your message is loud and clear, m'friend. Loud and clear. Of course you must have known I love smothered steak...*wink* so I got full just reading the menu... Tell your son one thing for me. Tell him, I know what he went through...because I had a daughter caught up in a similar situation...and it's not easy staying as composed as he has been able to be. If I may, may I say I am as proud of him as you are, Karen... you've all done good with each other. Yes, it IS a two-way street.... Mama K |
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wranx Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689Moved from a shack to a barn |
Nice? YES! You go ahead and BE proud BE relieved BE grateful Thrice blessed, no? Love ya, m'witch y'yeti |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Karen, sometimes it is hard to read you and respond when words are just words and a touch would mean so much more here's an internet hug for you and family and would be more if in real. M |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Thanks all. And well, we were summoned to the police station yesterday. And...there's really not too much we should expect from then. And we really kind of figured that. Now we're left wondering what it is we CAN do, and I gotta admit, the options seem limited. Hugs are still are one of 'em tho. Thanks all. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
into this night i wonder, it's morning that i dread, another day of knowing of, the path i fear to tread. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
OMG....thank goodness he is alright. I certainly do agree with your advice. Stay cool mama. ......jo |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Karen, I'm so glad that your son is okay. And, I totally agree that we should never let an opportunity go by to let our loved ones KNOW that we love them. Hugs to you, Sweetie, and... Give your son a hug for me, too Ethel |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
And I am so embarrassed. I should confess here and now, that I doubted my son's story. Along with the police, there were certain things that didn't make sense to me. So I have maintained a skeptical eye this entire time. And I'm afraid my son saw that too, although I never voiced it to him. Tonight we found out that there has been a young trio on a spree, matching exactly my son's "inexact" description--and I feel horrible too. My son has never given me reason to doubt his word and yet I did. sigh... so many lessons, so little time. I've already apologized to him privately. But since I already shared so much with you all, it was important to apologize to him publically too. I am very sorry Son. And I am very proud of you. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Serenity, I've been caught in that same way... I think parents are forced to look at all sides today, and just not assume one way or the other - because too often, in so many families, kids aren't always truthful. Or are prone to exaggerate... Regardless, dear friend, Your son did tell the truth - it came out just that way after a few days, he is now safe, you are safe, you didn't hide behind your thoughts [oh SO important in good family communication] and I am still keeping you all in my prayers until this trio is found... and dealt with. for you AND your wonderful son! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Oh Karen, I hadn't read this until this morning. Yes, hug him and be thankful he was able to walk away. Too much of your story is ringing memory bells for me, so I won't say much more than this; you are a wonderful caring nurturing MOTHER. And perhaps, those three do not have a caring adult in their lives. Then again, they may have mothers who love them and believe in them, who will be devastated to find them capable of such brutality. It's always too easy to bring ethnicity into the picture, and usually someone innocent gets abused in the process. The same holds true of war, it's a parallel in Iraq we see now, which often ends in death not only for the perps, but for innocent bystanders. *sigh*  anything else I would add must go in a private email.HUGGING you both.  |
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Fee Member
since 2000-08-07
Posts 381Melbourne, Australia |
I have nothing to say through the tears that are streaming down my cheeks, Thoughts to you and your family. Hugs Fee Expressions, |
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