I don't understand

We live in a big city with all the ups and downs that come with it. Lately it seems the downs have been outnumbering the ups. I can handle traffic. Once you learn the detours around it, it's really no big deal. Pollution, well it just isn't going anywhere and I am part of the problem so...whatever. Housing costs are outrageous, but they aren't as bad as some of our neighboring States. Schools, well they aren't bad as long as you live in the right area.

I can take all of these things and brush them off as if they aren't even there. What I can't take is the crime. Now, I'm not naive to the ways of people in large groups. Any time a few million people cluster together it's gonna get nasty. I realize that. I expect there to be burglaries and drug trafficking and a little organized crime thrown in for good measure. That I can handle. What brings me down and makes me want to move is the crime against children in this State.

It seems as though we don't go more than a day without hearing about some heinous crime committed upon a helpless child. Most of the time they are victimized by someone in their own family. Every time I hear about another child neglected, sold into prostitution, beaten, thrown away, molested, or killed, I lose a little faith in my fellow man. My soul turns black for a while. I want to rage against these people. Lock myself in a room with them and let my anger flow from my fists, feet, elbows, and knees. I want them to not exist. I don't believe in rehabilitation for these people. I don't buy it. It's a lie and everyone knows it.

I want to hide my sons from all this. Hold them in my arms and shield their eyes and hearts from what is around us. I want to move somewhere pure and clean and free from this scourge. Where is that though? Not here. Not there. That place doesn't exist on any map. There are bad people wherever you go. I have to somehow get them to do what I fail to do so often; find the good in every situation, focus on the good. To shield them from all of this tragedy would be doing a great disservice to them later in life. It's more wise to teach them how to handle their fears than to run from them. Yeah...it's all so easy.

Boys, I am trying my best to figure this World out one little piece at a time. I may not always have the answers, but don't ever hesitate to ask the questions. If I can't figure it out we can ask this guy I know. He lives up above the clouds. Cool robe. Beard. Lots of answers to impossible questions. Digs carpentry. You've seen pictures.

I love you guys. Forever.