The hardest thing as a parent is to let your children go when they get old enough to be on their own. I watch my son drive off to school every morning and I say a prayer every morning, Lord, please keep him safe.
I imagine most parents do the same.
Yet, a story like the one of Hannah Graham, the UVA student who was abducted, could happen to any of our kids if they aren't careful. This article, Three Mistakes Hannah Graham Made should be required reading for all parents.
My kids are lucky. They were survivors in their orphanage, and learned how to fight at early ages. Most middle class or upper class kids do not.
My kids also had their Uncle Bruce teaching them self-defense moves all.the.time.
Bruce and my kids, 2008
Bruce is a retired Army major and an Iraq war veteran. He teaches people self defense. He teaches a lot of women to shoot. He enjoys doing that.
He is old school when it comes to chivalry, but he also thinks women ought to be able to protect themselves.
When I was in college he started teaching me. I learned a lot of common sense things, like don't go out late at night by yourself. Two girls are less of an easy target.
He's also made sure, over the years, that I had pepper spray in my purse and my car, and a pistol at home. I know how to use all of them.
It's a wicked world out there, and young girls MUST be taught safety, and how to take care of themselves.
I am so glad they have the suspect in the Graham case in custody. They found him in Texas. He's already got a lawyer. He's gonna need one.
I just pray they don't find Hannah in a shallow grave.
