Jessica,

I'm so sorry for those children and their families. Your post has touched my heart today. You've asked so many very, very important questions. Each of us should take responsibility for finding answers to those questions.

There you are, on the front lines, just wanting to protect the children whose eyes you've looked into and - who you know have their whole lives ahead of them - if only we can keep them safe.

We have a responsibility to have answers, and, yet, at this moment, I find that I personally am at a loss to even begin to offer answers. I will think more about it.

What do you think, Jessica? What do we need to do - on a one-to-one level, at a neighborhood level, as a community or even as a nation? What do you think? I know you feel that you are just one person, but, if you had power to change things in a bigger way, what would you change? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Nora

Jess - What do you think is missing in these lives of our youth? Hope? Jobs? What future do they have to look forward to. Maybe thats the root cause of the lives they get sucked into the street lifestyle. Is it despair? Lack of other options? Loyalty? Survival. If we can catch them early before despair sets up into their lives, do you think we could make a difference. Parents spend so much energies on just keeping their heads out of the water. It takes so much courage for kids to face their futures. I wonder what they see when they look at their future. Jess keep up the hope. ZJ

Very powerful post, Jessica. You ask great questions, though I don't know the answers. What I do know is that our biggest problem comes when we stop asking the questions. After working with kids for 12 years, I realize there is no easy and quick fix. There is no set method. My personal approach is love, helping people discover that their voice is powerful, and hopefully pointing out their strengths that they cannot see yet...and helping them develop those strengths (believing in them until they can begin believing in themselves)--and always having high expectations.

Unfortunately there are more powerful forces out there that I don't know how to counter. That's why we lose the Tyree's, the Sammy's, and the KD's of the world. That's why people like Slick, despite the fact that I know what he has to offer, seem to slip through our grasp.

Keep asking the questions. Keep seeking the answers. Keep offering the correction, knowledge and prayers.

Never give up hope and never give up.

Jessica, I'm so glad that you are where you are, that is, working with teens. Although it must be very tough at times, loving them enough until they can learn to love themselves sure seems like the way. Keep writing. Your blog is a gift. John

Hello Jessica. I'm an aspired writer entering 8th grade. I just want to say that I find your writing very inspirational. I'm deeply moved by your statements. You may not know me, but I'm your cousin. And I find it very amazing to know that I'm related to such an inspirational composer. I hope to have a part-time career in writing, so I look up to my cousin as guidance. Stay strong.

Sincerely,
Nicole

Sorry it took so long for my responses, I just recently learned that I could post comments on my own blogs.

Nora, Thanks for your comment on my blog. To answer your questions, I really don't know. I have ideas such as educating kids about violent crime and how to avoid it but the problem with that is that it has been done and at the end of the day all children will have a free will. In my perfect world, violence would not exist but perfect worlds don't exist so I am looking for ways to make this unperfect world as close to my perfect world as possible. If you happen to have any ideas feel free to throw them my way. :)

Zola, Thank you also for your comment on my blog! And to answer your question, I think what these children are missing most in their lives is guidance. I see parents who allow their children to roam the streets and have no idea where these children are until they decide to come home. I have listened to what everyone has to say about parents having to work and do the "parent things" but while the parents are away their children are getting sucked into the streets. They are becoming their own parents as well as the parents to their younger siblings. That statement that you put in the end about wondering what they see when they look at their future is a very powerful one. I think that could be a starting point at getting them headed in the right direction. See what they wanna be and point out the ways that will get them there and the ways that won't get them there. Thanks Zola, I don't think any of the kids see themselves as being useless or dying early so that is a start!

Ms. Janet, thanks for taking the time out to write on my blog. And I am taking your advice and I am still on that quest to figuring out some answers to those questions. The answer will probably not be the same for each child, it will probably take a new method to reach each and every child but I am looking.

John, Thanks for the comment! I agree love is a very important factor when dealing with children because no matter what they need that reassurance that somebody loves them so that they can love themselves. I am glad that you think my blog is my gift, Thanks John!

Nicole, Hello long lost cousin. I am so excited to be meeting the other side of my family soon. Thank you so much for the words you have written on my blog. I know you are in middle school and I am so happy that writing is what you like to do. I am honored that you look up to me...so very honored. I look forward to meeting you and if you get a chance send me an email. Keep up the good work sweetie!

Thanks everyone for your comments they are greatly appreciated. I will do better at responding to comments now.