a different kind of scare

This is the time of year where Halloween is everywhere. As a family we decided years ago not to celebrate this holiday. This year the six year old is really struggling with this decision. Everywhere he turns there are Halloween themed...cartoons, decorated yards, costumes, candy, pumpkins, etc. He has even announced that when he is a grownup he plans to celebrate Halloween. (Then in the next breath mutters "yuck, Halloween" at a nearby yard full of jack-o-lanterns, skulls and ghosts.)

But this weekend we go a different kind of scare. Driving home from visiting family we stopped in Gonzales for some gas. As I prepare to pump the gas, I hear a child screaming. I looked around to see a boy about 10 years old laying on the pavement kicking and screaming as his mother sits on him. Then the dad steps in. He grabbed the boy by the shirt, lifts him, and then throws him back on the ground. Then he proceeds to angrily pull the boys pants down and spank him. The dad was in a rage and after many, many whippings I couldn't take it anymore. I locked the boys in the van and went inside to call the police. They showed up in just 2-3 minutes.

As a foster parent, I was shocked. Needless to say I am done with anything scary for a LONG time!!!