We can be proud and thankful that we have always cared for our children. From the schools (public and parochial, and home-schooled), to Boys and Girls Club, to Center for Charity, Baby Pantry, Foster Care Closet, foster parents, biological parents, adopting parents, and the list goes on and on, the community of Alpena, through its’ people, love their children. I was even stunned at opening day of little league baseball when it was identified that close to 700 children were playing in 2025!

We not only love children when all is well. But we care for them when they have erred and have been adjudicated delinquent, or worse, when they have been abused or neglected by caregivers, parents, or strangers. The professionals who respond to the tragedies of a child do so with great passion and tenderness, speed, and a desire to be complete and thorough. You see, the police officers, DHHS workers, counselors, prosecutors, teachers, and doctors and nurses are also dads and moms, aunts and uncles, and grandmas and grandpas. In my tenure as a lawyer, I was assistant prosecutor for abuse and neglect, guardian ad litem (attorney for children), and Family Court Judge. Too, I am blessed to be the parent of three fine sons and 13 beautiful grandchildren.

The decision to be lovingly involved in a child’s well-being comes from the fact that we are each made in the image and likeness of God. This truth is part of us. He loves all of His children, and so must we. Also, it must be realized that Our Salvation started as a child in His mother’s womb; Jesus of Bethlehem grew to ascend the cross, and then ascended even higher to Heaven taking us with Him (if we choose to go). We must remember what Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.” — Matthew 19:14

We always told our sons to look deep into the eyes of their babies, and they will see Jesus looking back … Let the children come to us, too.