[ponyboy]

Friends, it hasn't been fun here in Oswego, IL lately...

Yesterday, we found out that our daughter Holly was a victim of "sexual assult" a couple of weeks go; it happened while I was already attending school, but before her school began. That puts the incident some time in late August... Holly was afraid she'd get into trouble if "she told her parents," but she did share it with her bestest friend, who kept the secret for a while, but it began to keep her awake at night. So, she told her folks, who in turn told my wife Barbara; Barbara called me at school yesterday, and I came home early to deal with the incident.

Apparently, the attacker is a pretty strong dude and a little bit older than Holly; he saw her on her bicycle in our front yard, grabbed her by the jacket and pulled her alongside of our house, then reached inside her clothing and groped her breasts and her crotch. She was able to escape his grip and run into the garage. Coincidentally, he was walking past the house again yesterday afternoon; when Holly saw him, she dropped her bicycle and dashed into the garage, shut the door, and ran inside the house. Barbara happened to be discussing he situation on the telephone at the time.

So, I got home, heard Holly's story first-hand, then called the sheriff. The officer came over, listened, and we all had to write statements independently of one another; Holly's friend, Emily, had her dad bring her over to our house to tell her story and submit a statement, as well.

Apparently, the sheriff's department knows who the perp is, and wheels have begun to turn. We got a phone message from some investigating detective already this afternoon, and have to talk with him in the morning...

For those who don't know, our "little" daughter Holly is a "mentally challeneged" adoptee; she was 5 weeks old when we received her on Christmas Eve, 1986 as a foster child. (We are licensed foster parents for the state.)

Frankly, I'm glad the sheriff got to the perp before I could... [img]http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/******-o.gif[/img]

Much love and

[slogo]

Ponyboy I am so very sad and sorry that happened to Holly. She is such a precious little girl and to have that happen to her is terrible.
I know you will handle the situation and give loving care to her so that she can overcome the assault.
That discusting boy needs to be in jail!

{{{{{{{{HUGS FOR HOLLY}}}}}}}}. Gaye

[GJZH]

Ponyboy,

This is a parent's worst nightmare....How terrible for Holly...I hope they lock the coward up and put him away for a very, very long time so that he cannot hurt anyone else's child. It is absolutely terrible that Holly is not safe in her own yard...I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

GH

[Curious]

oh my gosh gene, i am sooo very sorry this has happened. i am at a loss for word. in tears. my prayers to you and your family.

your anger is justified. i hope they get him and prosecute him to the fullest. then let the guys in jail take care of the rest.

hugs and choccy for your dear holly.

we are here for you gene.

[shotspine]

I am having a hard time finding words. I feel the same as all the other posters and all those to follow (I'm sure).

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Holly and Family)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

My thoughts are with you all at this horrible time. I'm soooo sorry

[Braindrain]

I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope they lock the guy up and throw away
the key!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Holly and Family)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'll be praying for you!

[Just Jacquie]

Gene - stopping by here on a more serious note - I'm so sorry that that jerk subjected Holly to that - and thank God it didn't go any further. My daughter, who is now 23, went thru that type of thing and beyond on God knows how many occasions unbeknownst to me or my hubby - this was around the age of 11 and up, and it went on for at least months, could have been years. It was the good Catholic family right on our block with three sons, all close around my daughter's age, and touching was only the beginning of what went on - 3 good little altar boys, and I only found this out about a year ago, TEN years after the fact - she kept it to herself all of that time. I swear, when I drive by their house, I want to throw a bomb inside or burn it down or something. The old man was abusive to his boys, and they so very kindly 'payed it forward' - it JUST MAKES ME SICK. She's got so many problems and battle scars now, and it's too late to do much now - now I understand some of her acting out behavior when she was around that age. So glad that type of thing didn't happen to your precious one.

GOOD FOR YOU FOR REPORTING IT RIGHT AWAY AND HAVING THE COURAGE TO DO SO.

What else can I say, Jacquie

[ponyboy]

Off topic, Jacquie, but that little grandson of yours in your Avatar is almost as cute as our little grandsons are...

I can certainly see your pride is justified!

Back to the topic, we're supposed to have a chat with a sheriff's detective tomorrow morning about Holly's "treatment" at the hands of that creep...


Much love and

[Just Jacquie]

Thanks, Gene, I think he's a doll, too, and already talking & making his needs known at ten months of age! OMG, I fear he's going to be a handful when he's in his terrible 2s . I wish my son and his wife good luck - he seems about as incorrigible as his Daddy was - heaven help 'em .

Let us know how talk w/ sheriff goes, wondering how these things are handled in various parts of the country!

Have a great week! Jacquie

[Art Vandelay]

Ponyboy ;

I really feel sad , to think she had to go through that , and thought she would be in trouble .
>>>Now HE will learn how people feel about "sexual offenders " , he will have that title for a long time ! > He is old enough to know that he did the wrong thing.
There has been alot about "predators" on Dateline NBC , it's a shame that we can't rid the world of these dirtbags.
» Dateline NBC » 'To Catch a Predator'
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603/

She shouldn't be afraid to go outside !

Art