Wednesday 4 June 2008

A MOTHER’S LOVE

Think the story of Carol Saldinack has made the nationals but for those of you who missed it, her story is something along the lines of…… Mother of 5……… overhears two of her sons bragging about beating a man up – badly……… She decides to report them to the police and they are subsequently jailed……… The case against them was very strong with CCTV, forensic evidence and witness accounts but obviously her evidence added weight to the prosecution’s case. She has now been disowned by her family…………….. Think those are the bare facts.

She was interviewed on our local news and is obviously having a tough time. She stands by her decision and rightly states that the responsibility for the plight of her sons rests firmly at their feet. They are responsible for their own actions.

Now those of you who have been visiting for a while will know that I am committed to social responsibility and applaud this lady’s decision. However, when I asked myself whether I could or would do the same thing in that situation I really couldn’t make up my mind. The thought of "betraying" one of my own fills me with dread and anxiety BUT then, if they had got into trouble then shouldn't they take responsibility for their actions....... What a dilemma

I like to think I have raised my boys to be decent members of our society. Number one son, who will turn 18 in a couple of months is at college, works part time and helps out at home. He’s been drunk a couple of times – yes underage but doesn’t go out every weekend getting trashed………… Think he’s on the way to being a top man……… Next son is 14 today (I know, I just don’t look old enough do I!!). He is doing very well at school and plays every sport going. The signs are, I believe, good. Too early to tell with the 11 year old and 9 year old but hopefully with the example of their brothers to follow they should be ok.

BUT

And it’s a big but, I bet that’s what Carol Saldinack thought when her boys were growing up. I will do what I can and keep everything crossed because it seems in this day and age, nothing is guaranteed.

I wish this brave lady all the very best for the future and hope that her family wake up and see sense and welcome her back very, very soon.

9 comments:

Maggie May said...

I think I am totally with you! I admire her for doing what she did but am not sure if I could have done it. I also feel very sorry that she has been disowned by her family. After all, she did it for the best of reasons. One day they may all thank her.

Frog in the Field said...

Yes, this is very, very tough.
I think you've written a very well-judged appraisal of the case.
Loving your children unconditionally is in our gut instincts, and what she has done here is a most selfless act. She loves them so much that her moral actions may stop them ever speaking to her again, but she has done it to ultimately put their lives back on track.
I hope I would have the strength to follow her shining example, she deserves a knighthood for her incredible bravery.

She's like the wind said...

I applaud her. Wouldn't you be so ashamed if that was your children, but you have to hope you give them enough guidance to make the right decisions and choices in life. xx

Expat mum said...

I was thinking the same as everyone else - I'm not sure I could have done that. But then I thought "You could either ignore it or do what she did". There's no in between is there? Very difficult situation and I hope I never find myself there.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

I don't know - I'm not a mother so haven't got a clue what I would do. Thought provoking.

Swearing Mother said...

I admire her, she is so brave. Don't know what I'd have done in her position, hopefully her family will realise that if she hadn't stopped her sons at this point, eventually something or someone else would have done. Permanently.

Gone Back South said...

I don't know what I would have done either. But it is a very important lesson in life, dealing with the consequences of your actions.

Mimi said...

Like everyone else, I'm with her. People sometimes die because they get beaten up, sometimes because a crowd jeers on the thugs doing it. She is a brave, honest woman, who has the highest good of her family at her heart. Sad that they can't see that, I do hope that in time they will thank her for it, because she has done them and society a big favour for standing up for what is right. Hope i never have to do the same, it could be any one of us, mimi

the mother of this lot said...

Thank God none of us has been in a situation where we had to make this decision. I'd like to think I could do it, but....