What makes a young teen leave home? What makes a young adult, a child, decide to give up what he has so that he can shiver on the streets, starve for food, turn to drugs, prostitution and often suicide? These thoughts crowd my mind. I worry about our children, their children and the future of our community. So many young people are living in cardboard boxes, panhandling for food, becoming ill and leaving their belongings, homes and family all behind.
Perhaps they don't understand what lies ahead. Perhaps they don't understand fear. Perhaps the fear they have stems from home. Are they being abused, molested or beaten? We as a society, all of us parents, grandparents, teachers, law enforcement, librarians, store clerks, truck drivers, brothers, sisters and doctors, we need to wake up and find out what is happening to our youth. Some teens may appear to be confident and strong but they need our help. They need to know they are loved, that they have a future, a chance, a right to be here. We need to encourage them, support them and love them. They are but children approaching adulthood, not yet the adults they may think they are. Why do they leave? What can we do? What are signs of a trouble teen? Where can we find them when they run? Where can a teen find help?
The issue of teenagers running away from home is growing and is of concern among the local high schools in southern California. Teens don't know where to turn or where to go. Parents don't know how to help. Law enforcement can't help. Resources are limited.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration 2009 - New Day in History
What a historical day today was and I was so pleased that Professor Chance acknowledged the importance of living in the moment and allowed us to view President Obama's speech during our first day of class.
I sat in my seat thinking about what I might tell my grandchildren one day. Would I remember what I was doing when the first black man became president? I wondered if my two grade school children were being allowed to experience this special moment in their school classroom and would they remember where they were on this day. I thought about my oldest son who was starting his first day of college today and feeling he must be overwhelmed and trying to find his way around. I remembered and thought of my oldest daughter who passed away in 2006. I thought about how she would have loved to be here today and witness this change in history. Of all our family members she was the one who so strongly believed in equal rights. She was merely 16 when we lost her but she was a fighter, an activist and determined leader. I wondered what she would be telling me today so I thought and sat some more. She would be proud today and beaming with joy.
Being a caucasion woman, I imagine what parents of African-American children are telling their children today. Perhaps today they became confident that they two can be anything they want to be. I have always encouraged my children to follow their dreams and to reach for the stars. I've never for once thought that anyone or anything could stand in their way. I've never had to take our skin color in consideration. I haven't had to worry about my citizenship. I feel for those who have worried and suffered but felt a since of hope today, for today embarks change. Change is good.
I sat in my seat thinking about what I might tell my grandchildren one day. Would I remember what I was doing when the first black man became president? I wondered if my two grade school children were being allowed to experience this special moment in their school classroom and would they remember where they were on this day. I thought about my oldest son who was starting his first day of college today and feeling he must be overwhelmed and trying to find his way around. I remembered and thought of my oldest daughter who passed away in 2006. I thought about how she would have loved to be here today and witness this change in history. Of all our family members she was the one who so strongly believed in equal rights. She was merely 16 when we lost her but she was a fighter, an activist and determined leader. I wondered what she would be telling me today so I thought and sat some more. She would be proud today and beaming with joy.
Being a caucasion woman, I imagine what parents of African-American children are telling their children today. Perhaps today they became confident that they two can be anything they want to be. I have always encouraged my children to follow their dreams and to reach for the stars. I've never for once thought that anyone or anything could stand in their way. I've never had to take our skin color in consideration. I haven't had to worry about my citizenship. I feel for those who have worried and suffered but felt a since of hope today, for today embarks change. Change is good.
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