First of all, before I even begin – let me say I am no expert on this matter. I do have a mere 6 years of experience in the child welfare system, but most of all, to my credit, I am aware, something I have come to realize most of America is not – and I will explain exactly what I mean by “being aware.â€
On November 4, 2011, Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State Assistant Football coach was charged with 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys, following a three-year investigation into allegations that he had inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old boy over the course of four years, beginning when the boy was ten years old. The boy’s parents reported the incident to police in 2009. A grand jury identified eight boys singled out for sexual advances or sexual assaults by Sandusky from 1994 through 2009. At least 20 of the incidents allegedly took place while Sandusky was still employed at Penn State.
These allegations sent a short-lived shock wave through not only Penn State, but also our country. People were shocked and horrified that events like these could take place and be swept under the rug. However, the sex crimes committed against these young boys was quickly overshadowed by what would happen to legendary coach, Joe Paterno, who did not take the appropriate measures in reporting these allegations to the authorities.
As I watched the press conference where the announcement was made regarding the firing of Joe Paterno and an hour of coverage that followed, I was mortified that Sandusky’s name was mentioned once…ONCE, and the victims of his crimes were not mentioned at all. Instead, the conversation on TV surrounded how Penn State would prepare for their football game on Saturday against Nebraska, the students rallying support of their beloved coach, and the future of Penn State football.
Certainly you can see what’s wrong with this picture. During the hour of commentary I watched, here are the facts that were presented:
One. (Paterno) On the list of all-time winning-est coaches in the FBS, No coach in the history of Division I college football has won as many games (409) as Paterno.
Five. Coach Paterno has led five Penn State teams to undefeated seasons.
Twenty-four. With 24 bowl victories, coach Paterno has won more postseason games than any other coach in history. He is also in the record books for having the most bowl appearances at 37.
Sixty-two. The number of seasons Paterno has been a coach at Penn State.
These are the number that were reported last night. I was sick. Angry. Disgusted. THESE ARE NOT THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER. Following are the numbers that should have been reported.
EIGHT. The number of boys (that we know of) who had their innocence stolen from them the moment Sandusky sexually abused them.
TEN: The age of the boy Sandusky allegedly sodomized in the shower.
TWENTY: The number of incidents that allegedly took place while Sandusky was employed at Penn State.
FORTY: The number of counts Sandusky has been charged with regarding sexual abuse allegations.
Coverage then switched to students gathering to protest against the firing of their beloved football coach. At this point, I began cursing the TV and my husband began wondering if finally the hormones had won out and I was going crazy.
Here is what saddens me. These boys’ lives were irrevocably changed by Jerry Sandusky. These boys were further traumatized by the fact that no one in a position of power cared enough about their well-being to take the proper measures in reporting the abuse, and they are still being traumatized today by our country’s misguided support of a football coach who played a hand in a blatant failure to protect innocent children. What message are we sending to not only these 8 victims, but all the victims of child abuse in our country?
Sadly, what has come to light in the wake of this situation at Penn State is a complete lack of awareness as to what really happens to children in OUR county on a daily basis. Make yourself aware because it is happening in your country, your state, your town, your neighborhood. If you think sexual abuse does not happen in your area – you are not aware.
Penn State had an amazing forum to take a national stand against child sex crimes. Instead, students are holding drunken riots in support of a football coach and news stations are reporting a completely misguided set of facts, ignoring the real issue here. Penn State may win their football game on Saturday – but answer me this – why do we live in a society that thinks this is more important than the abuse of innocent children?
Be someone that focuses on what really matters in the wake of these horrible allegations surrounding the events that took place at Penn State. There are things you can do and no act is too small. Here are a few ideas:
www.nationalcac.org
The National Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that provides training, prevention, and treatment services to fight child abuse and neglect. – Find your local chapter and volunteer.
www.casaforchildren.org/
A nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent environment free from abuse. – Find your local chapter and volunteer
www.d2l.org
Child sexual abuse information and statistics
——————-
Abbie Young is the former director for Lee County CASA and has worked with CASA throughout the country for over six years. She is also one of my BFF’s and a kick ass lady. Listen to her.
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2011-11-10 15:20:152011-11-10 15:20:15The Real Issue Here - A Guest Post by Abbie Young
Have I mentioned how strong my little girl is? Every single day, I’m more proud of her than the day before. Her love for life, her enthusiastic attitude, her spunk, her ease to forgive, her huge heart…she is an extraordinary little person. I’m lucky to get to be a part of her amazing life.
I know, I know. I can’t believe it either. And I feel a bit like a tool even saying anything about it, because whenever I’d see or hear people going on and on about their half marathon or the Iron Man they are training for, I wanted to punch them in the nose. We get it, you’re healthy and we are not and someone get me some ice cream and beer, right-effing-now!!!
But after my 29th birthday and some other life changes, I found myself wanting to see what my body could really do. Not only that, but find ways to make me and my body happier. I tried to remember what I did at 5, 10, 15, 20 years old that made me really and truly happy, and then found ways to incorporate these actions in to the life I have now. Which, let’s face it, isn’t easy. I have a high stress job, two kids, a home, a husband who is running his own company…there is not time for anything extra in my life. During one critical moment in the work world last week I found myself saying to my boss, “I can do a lot of things, but I cannot add time to a clock!”
I knew it would be hard, but I found myself needing to try new things again. I had made such a big deal about not caring about my looming 30th birthday, but I realized it’s not that I don’t care, I just don’t feel negatively about it. I’m happy and excited, but I also have realized that time is surely fleeting. Do you have wise friends? I do. And one of them told me this:
“I realized that this is it. This is my life. I didn’t know what I was waiting for.”
That stuck. My life is happening. I need to live it. And live it hard.
I started slow…the day after my birthday I decided to give up alcohol for a month. It was easier than I thought, so I started going to the gym three times a week, taking my dad’s advice and planning workouts at least once a week during my lunch hour. I learned how to climb the rock wall at my gym and tried to find other activities that would be fun and challenging. As I kid, I rode horses (hunt seat) competitively, so I found a stable near my office and now ride twice a month over my lunch break.
It was during one of these lunchtime workouts that I ran my first 5K without stopping. I looked down at the treadmill and couldn’t believe it! And in a crazy haze of post run euphoria, I signed up for my first race. It’s in less than two weeks, and I am still stunned that I’m going to do this. I’ve even started plotting a possible half marathon in 2012. Who am I? I feel like I may be possessed by pod people.
Of course, I’m doing other things too, like journaling regularly, getting more sleep, prioritizing my social life, but it’s the running that really seems to be pushing me. I’m inspired when I run. I feel powerful and weak all at the same time. I love the quiet of it. I love being alone with my body and my thoughts and my tunes blasting in my earbuds.
The Real Issue Here – A Guest Post by Abbie Young
/0 Comments/in Guest Banana, World /by MeganFirst of all, before I even begin – let me say I am no expert on this matter. I do have a mere 6 years of experience in the child welfare system, but most of all, to my credit, I am aware, something I have come to realize most of America is not – and I will explain exactly what I mean by “being aware.â€
On November 4, 2011, Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State Assistant Football coach was charged with 40 counts of sex crimes against young boys, following a three-year investigation into allegations that he had inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old boy over the course of four years, beginning when the boy was ten years old. The boy’s parents reported the incident to police in 2009. A grand jury identified eight boys singled out for sexual advances or sexual assaults by Sandusky from 1994 through 2009. At least 20 of the incidents allegedly took place while Sandusky was still employed at Penn State.
These allegations sent a short-lived shock wave through not only Penn State, but also our country. People were shocked and horrified that events like these could take place and be swept under the rug. However, the sex crimes committed against these young boys was quickly overshadowed by what would happen to legendary coach, Joe Paterno, who did not take the appropriate measures in reporting these allegations to the authorities.
As I watched the press conference where the announcement was made regarding the firing of Joe Paterno and an hour of coverage that followed, I was mortified that Sandusky’s name was mentioned once…ONCE, and the victims of his crimes were not mentioned at all. Instead, the conversation on TV surrounded how Penn State would prepare for their football game on Saturday against Nebraska, the students rallying support of their beloved coach, and the future of Penn State football.
Certainly you can see what’s wrong with this picture. During the hour of commentary I watched, here are the facts that were presented:
One. (Paterno) On the list of all-time winning-est coaches in the FBS, No coach in the history of Division I college football has won as many games (409) as Paterno.
Five. Coach Paterno has led five Penn State teams to undefeated seasons.
Twenty-four. With 24 bowl victories, coach Paterno has won more postseason games than any other coach in history. He is also in the record books for having the most bowl appearances at 37.
Sixty-two. The number of seasons Paterno has been a coach at Penn State.
These are the number that were reported last night. I was sick. Angry. Disgusted. THESE ARE NOT THE NUMBERS THAT MATTER. Following are the numbers that should have been reported.
EIGHT. The number of boys (that we know of) who had their innocence stolen from them the moment Sandusky sexually abused them.
TEN: The age of the boy Sandusky allegedly sodomized in the shower.
TWENTY: The number of incidents that allegedly took place while Sandusky was employed at Penn State.
FORTY: The number of counts Sandusky has been charged with regarding sexual abuse allegations.
Coverage then switched to students gathering to protest against the firing of their beloved football coach. At this point, I began cursing the TV and my husband began wondering if finally the hormones had won out and I was going crazy.
Here is what saddens me. These boys’ lives were irrevocably changed by Jerry Sandusky. These boys were further traumatized by the fact that no one in a position of power cared enough about their well-being to take the proper measures in reporting the abuse, and they are still being traumatized today by our country’s misguided support of a football coach who played a hand in a blatant failure to protect innocent children. What message are we sending to not only these 8 victims, but all the victims of child abuse in our country?
Sadly, what has come to light in the wake of this situation at Penn State is a complete lack of awareness as to what really happens to children in OUR county on a daily basis. Make yourself aware because it is happening in your country, your state, your town, your neighborhood. If you think sexual abuse does not happen in your area – you are not aware.
Penn State had an amazing forum to take a national stand against child sex crimes. Instead, students are holding drunken riots in support of a football coach and news stations are reporting a completely misguided set of facts, ignoring the real issue here. Penn State may win their football game on Saturday – but answer me this – why do we live in a society that thinks this is more important than the abuse of innocent children?
Be someone that focuses on what really matters in the wake of these horrible allegations surrounding the events that took place at Penn State. There are things you can do and no act is too small. Here are a few ideas:
www.nationalcac.org
The National Children’s Advocacy Center is a non-profit organization that provides training, prevention, and treatment services to fight child abuse and neglect. – Find your local chapter and volunteer.
www.casaforchildren.org/
A nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent environment free from abuse. – Find your local chapter and volunteer
www.d2l.org
Child sexual abuse information and statistics
Abbie Young is the former director for Lee County CASA and has worked with CASA throughout the country for over six years. She is also one of my BFF’s and a kick ass lady. Listen to her.
My Girl
/0 Comments/in Lucy /by MeganHave I mentioned how strong my little girl is? Every single day, I’m more proud of her than the day before. Her love for life, her enthusiastic attitude, her spunk, her ease to forgive, her huge heart…she is an extraordinary little person. I’m lucky to get to be a part of her amazing life.
Insufferable
/0 Comments/in Blond, Happiness /by MeganSo, I run now.
I know, I know. I can’t believe it either. And I feel a bit like a tool even saying anything about it, because whenever I’d see or hear people going on and on about their half marathon or the Iron Man they are training for, I wanted to punch them in the nose. We get it, you’re healthy and we are not and someone get me some ice cream and beer, right-effing-now!!!
But after my 29th birthday and some other life changes, I found myself wanting to see what my body could really do. Not only that, but find ways to make me and my body happier. I tried to remember what I did at 5, 10, 15, 20 years old that made me really and truly happy, and then found ways to incorporate these actions in to the life I have now. Which, let’s face it, isn’t easy. I have a high stress job, two kids, a home, a husband who is running his own company…there is not time for anything extra in my life. During one critical moment in the work world last week I found myself saying to my boss, “I can do a lot of things, but I cannot add time to a clock!”
I knew it would be hard, but I found myself needing to try new things again. I had made such a big deal about not caring about my looming 30th birthday, but I realized it’s not that I don’t care, I just don’t feel negatively about it. I’m happy and excited, but I also have realized that time is surely fleeting. Do you have wise friends? I do. And one of them told me this:
That stuck. My life is happening. I need to live it. And live it hard.
I started slow…the day after my birthday I decided to give up alcohol for a month. It was easier than I thought, so I started going to the gym three times a week, taking my dad’s advice and planning workouts at least once a week during my lunch hour. I learned how to climb the rock wall at my gym and tried to find other activities that would be fun and challenging. As I kid, I rode horses (hunt seat) competitively, so I found a stable near my office and now ride twice a month over my lunch break.
It was during one of these lunchtime workouts that I ran my first 5K without stopping. I looked down at the treadmill and couldn’t believe it! And in a crazy haze of post run euphoria, I signed up for my first race. It’s in less than two weeks, and I am still stunned that I’m going to do this. I’ve even started plotting a possible half marathon in 2012. Who am I? I feel like I may be possessed by pod people.
Of course, I’m doing other things too, like journaling regularly, getting more sleep, prioritizing my social life, but it’s the running that really seems to be pushing me. I’m inspired when I run. I feel powerful and weak all at the same time. I love the quiet of it. I love being alone with my body and my thoughts and my tunes blasting in my earbuds.
….to be continued.