Bad Behavior Shouldn't Be A Death Sentence

My 21-year-old son—my only child—has been “asking for it” for the last seven years, since he was 14. I thought he’d grow out of his risky behavior, with my help and the harsh lessons learned from “getting into trouble.” I should have taken out life insurance on him then, when I had a small measure of disposable income.

He didn’t get it. Was it the adventure of defying traffic laws that thrilled him? Were drugs more important than going to school or building a career? Was I less significant to him than even his most casual junkie friends? The answers: Apparently, YES.

But who says that stupidity should be a death sentence or deserve a lengthy prison term? Every day of every week of the year, some man- or woman-child’s mother, father or caregiver is terrified that their child’s behavior will lead to the worst possible consequence. And they, like me, feel helpless to protect their child.

“You made your bed now lay in it,” is not an option for most parents. Over family objections, in spite of what neighbors and friends say, that is your child! You know that once he sees the light—joins a 12 Step Program, meets a “good” girl, finally gets a job—does something, anything positive, you’ll be able to sleep nights. If only he (or she) sees the light before it’s too late.

Today my son prepares to relocate, as far as Greyhound can take him, under the L.A.P.D.’s Witness Assistance Program. You see, he finally got himself into a jam that no one could help him get out of. He crossed paths with the local gang and they began to harass him and extort money. They were emboldened when he relented, but then they wanted more, and more and more… Their threats were never going to stop!

Working with our local gang intervention specialists, Aztecs Rising, and the police, my son and I fingered two convicted felons: One a minor player in the gang hierarchy, and the other a junior shot-caller. Now my son is green lighted by one of the most notorious gangs in Los Angeles. If he doesn’t get out of Dodge, he’ll be killed.

“Aren’t you scared,” you ask? The truth is I’ve been scared for my son for seven years; this is the first time I can take a breath. With his higher power to guide him, I believe that his new life will give him a fresh start and finally a chance to think. He’s been living his life like it was a video game; now it’s time for him to step up or fall into oblivion.