Too Horrible to Imagine
It’s a crime too horrible to imagine. A four year old brutally murdered at the hands of his mother and stepfather. I can’t imagine his terror or his pain. Though I didn’t know him, I wish I could have done something.
There is a huge public outcry at this horrible atrocity. As a community we feel grief, shock, and horror. Clearly something must be done. The people closest to Ethan failed to protect him and as a community we sense that we were somehow part of that failure.
How do we correct a system that is broken? What can we as individuals do to make a difference? Ethan’s grizzly murder brought these issues to the surface, but Ethan is not alone. Many children in our community endure abuse. Others have died, but many survive and carry the scars of abuse throughout their lives.
I’ll leave the legal issues to others more skilled in those areas, but I invite everyone who is outraged at Ethan’s death to use their anger to make a difference, to show the world and kids like Ethan that we care. Here are some ideas.
1. Do something kind for a child today.
2. Reach out to your neighbors. Notice signs of trouble. Be a friend. Stengthen your community by strengthening your neighborhood.
3. Strengthen your own family. Make sure that your behavior toward family members is appropriate and loving. Reach out to family members who may feel isolated. Notice signs of trouble in your own family.
4. Be involved in your community. Volunteer at a school or be part of a community project that helps kids.
5. Support education about abuse, progams that fight abuse or promote healing. Be part of the solution.
The No More Secrets Foundation is raising money to build a monument to healing in honor of child abuse victims. This beautiful monument will be a place of healing for any whose lives have been touched by abuse. The City of South Salt Lake has donated a beautiful piece of land in Fitt’s Park. You can help us build A Healing Place. It’s too late for Ethan, but what about the others. You can make a difference. To find out more, or to make a donation go to www.ahealingplacemonument.org.
Linda Garner
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