I really don't know how to begin... or what this article is all about. I had just finished watching a short report about a certain "Jepoy". The boy was barely 2 yrs old and it really disturbs me to see him the way he looked like in tv. His head was swollen, his arms and legs had bruises, a fresh scald on the lower portion of his butt (blood was still visible), his left eye was almost closed, there were traces of blood there also. His feet were bound by plastic ropes and he was lying on his tummy on a very dirty floor. Seeing him like that, I felt pain in my stomach. I don't know what to say. I can't think of anything but the sufferings he must have undergone... in the hands of his own mother and older sister!
Sometimes I think of the possible reasons which might have drove people to do things as terrible as these to helpless kids and worst, to their own kids. Kids are by nature uncontrollable. It is not their choice but a mere stage in their life. I know because I myself have three kids. Their unmanageable, most of the times but it is an attitude they'll soon outgrow. I confess, I too might have disciplined them incorrectly... I might have shouted at them too many times... I might have criticized them too harshly... but I am only human. It is an everyday error I that I asked for forgiveness. Sometimes I think if I would become worse... will I be like Jepoys' mother who finds reasons for maltreating him? Will I be like her who sees herself as a disciplinarian rather than inhumane mother?
I love my kids more than anything in this world... they are Gods' gifts to me and my husband. My only prayer is that I will prove myself worthy to have them... that I will be able to raise them as lovingly as I possibly could. And now, my prayer goes to Jepoy and all the many like him in this world... may they be saved from the hurtful environment they are in. May God always watch over them and may people like us be ever watchful of kids like them. God bless you Jepoy!
