the garden of angels

This morning I woke up and headed to The Garden of Angels in Calimesa. It's not too far from where I live. For those of you who may not be familiar with The Garden, it's actually a burial place for abandoned babies. You can check out my web site for an in-depth story of when I was reporter covering a funeral for three babies as well as a gallery of photos I snapped. It was on one hand so sad, but at the same time, eye-opening, in the sense, that I realized the impact that one person can have on this world. Please check out the powerful documentary at The Garden of Angels.

I've had the plight of abandoned babies on my mind for some time, and even more so now, because I'm patiently waiting until I produce my next PSA about this particular topic. I can't wait, because I plan on taking a more in-your-face approach. I want to call a spade a spade, and I want the image on the screen to linger long with the viewer. I think it's time that we stop with the cliches and approach the subject of child abuse and abandonment with a fervor. Yes, "Stop Child Abuse" sounds nice, but what are we doing about it?

We are one of the most powerful and most influential nations in the world and we dictate on a daily business the affairs of other countries--whether it is through the threat of economic sanctions or through other strong-arm means. Why is it then, that we cannot protect our OWN future?

Strict laws, more funding for education (i.e., sex education, parent education) and a full-blown campaign that seeks to celebrate childhood. Yes, a celebration. Once we, as a society, recognize how beautiful and important childhood is, only then can we seek to preserve it.

Think about it. We currently have eleven national holidays. I think it's time that we add one more.