www.theguardian.com I don't want to concentrate on a depressing subject, but terrible things are happening in society, right here in the UK. One of them is child abduction. More than 3,000 children under the age of 18 have been reported missing in Greater Manchester this year.
Sexual exploitation of children is a normal occurrence on some streets and estates in that city. Children are often snatched while making their way home after school.
The alarming new report, released by the Home Secretary, suggests child sex abuse may have been fuelled by the youngster's increased exposure to explicit music videos and so-called "sexting", selfies and Instagram.
How could a sane so-called society allow such things to happen? I could cry for all the children who will never live a life we call normal.
One of my own adult daughters died nine years ago after treatment for leukaemia and consequent liver damage. With any death of a child, the parent is left with lingering guilt. Did they do enough? Did they raise their child with the skills to survive in the world? Here's a poem I wrote after receiving her last letter.
Sexual exploitation of children is a normal occurrence on some streets and estates in that city. Children are often snatched while making their way home after school.
The alarming new report, released by the Home Secretary, suggests child sex abuse may have been fuelled by the youngster's increased exposure to explicit music videos and so-called "sexting", selfies and Instagram.
How could a sane so-called society allow such things to happen? I could cry for all the children who will never live a life we call normal.
One of my own adult daughters died nine years ago after treatment for leukaemia and consequent liver damage. With any death of a child, the parent is left with lingering guilt. Did they do enough? Did they raise their child with the skills to survive in the world? Here's a poem I wrote after receiving her last letter.
SHE WROTE TO ME
You taught me well, (she wrote to me)
Showed me how to be free
Could not have hoped for any more
Brought teaching to the fore.
You are my amazing mother
Not like any other
And although my path is troubled
I must walk on, hobbled.
Never forget it's my own path
Now I've strayed from the hearth
And I must tramp along the way
Although I'd love to stay.
Back then you showed me how to live -
A good life and to give
Even though you're treated badly
Not to give in, sadly.
And how to be an example
Your lead was so ample
Showing others how to hold tight
Though they would rather fight.
(And when I read her letter
Appeased and felt better
To know that I'd done a good job
Whilst trying not to sob.)
There must be many people who haven't been raised well, but have been strong enough or lucky enough to become a strong adult.
What has your child/parent experience been?
What has your child/parent experience been?
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