Samantha fought hard, she didn't go easy, for which I'm glad. Her strength allowed them to catch this animal before he could hurt another child. She is a hero. Her fighting saved lives.

Like the rest of us, I was horrified and devastated when the news broke that yet another helpless child had been kidnapped. It seems to happen so often, I think people get almost numb. But, Samantha's mother touched me deeply. When I heard her pleading for the return of her daughter, and heard the love and belief in her daughter's strength, it broke my heart. For she's a Mom just like me, who knows her child through and through.

Samantha fought hard, she didn't go easy, for which I'm glad. Her strength allowed them to catch this animal before he could hurt another child. She is a hero. Her fighting saved lives.

Her mother will live with the sounds and images of her slain child forever. There will be no place for her to hide from them. She will second guess every decision she ever made about moving to a "safer" place and much more. This is the horror the victims who are left behind have to deal with. No magic pill will take away the pain, no easy words or flowers will make this better.

If I had a wish, it would be for every parent to guard their children well. To love them today. And not assume they are safe. They are not. This is not the only human monster out there. Too many of our children see these events as removed from them. It couldn't happen. But it can and does.

Please check your children at night. Make sure screens and windows are secured. Have your child fingerprinted and have their stats recorded. Gateway is sponsoring a free CD August 2nd and 3rd at any Gateway store.

When you are in crowded places like malls or stores, hold your child's hand firmly. Older children should be told not to wander through the area unattended, but remain by you. Teach them to scream if grabbed, this is not my parent! Fire! Or Help I'm being kidnapped.

Enroll them in self defense classes, and practice safety drills in your home. My boys are taught to begin screaming at the first sign of intrusion into our home. And to run straight to Daddy. There are new window screens out that have wire running through them. An alarm goes off if anyone attempts to cut or remove the screens.

Above all listen to your children. Many times a child's reaction to a visitor in your home can give you ample warning this person is not safe. Kids have great instincts for wrongness in adults. Pay attention to what they say and how they react. It could save you endless grief.

Samantha's mom needs our prayers right now. I hope that through the strength this nation has always shown in times of crisis, that some of that loving power will help support her in her pain and grief for a long time to come.

God Bless You Samantha