Innocence at its BEST

I reside in Los Angeles, while my family is and always has resided in Northern Utah. I manage to keep updated on most if not all things that effect my family in one way or another. From "family business" to local news and gossip - I'm one informed gal! Recently however, something tragic has happened.

In the local Utah news today a very sad tragedy has taken place. This story leaves me aghast and disgusted. A 10-year old girl died after being beaten by her father (allegedly) and received blunt force trauma to her head. This family lives in the same neighborhood as my sister and her husband and family. The little girl was the same age as one of my sweet nieces, K. (we'll call her K for the time being) As the rest of the community asks the same moral questions: What happened? Why does this happen? And etc. The children are effected and they have questions also. I was impressed, as my sister and I were speaking of this tragedy, by how wonderfully my nieces are being raised. Little K, who is but 10, was naturally perplexed and disgruntled by the tragedy of her classmate and neighbor. She had questions as to why a father would do that to his child, and other similar questions. As innocent as she remains, I adore her inquiry to her mother and father as K asks, "what exactly is abuse?"

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the community. I also simply wanted to openly and genuinely let my sister and her husband know that they are great parents! My nieces are in a very safe and loving environment. I only hope such innocence could exist for all children. How wonderful to know that some kids get to be kids...