A Personal Note,
On Nov. 20th, 2006 my 14 year-old son, Eric was in Florida with his best friend Sam Cohn from Richmond visiting a friend that had moved to Florida. The last night after a couple of great days, Sam was hit by a car the following day Sam died. Eric had been eating some candy out of a bag when he looked up and saw Sam being hit. He called me that night said "Dad Sam's going to die, I wish it was me". I can't tell you how deep the valley has been that we have traveled through. (see in 2007 blog archive an article "Gone with Sam" I wrote for the Richmond Times Ink)
Sam Mariano Cohn 1992-2006
The following January I was working to bring Child Sexual Prevention to Vermont after a Judge gave a child rapist 2 months in prison. I set up a meeting between the Gov. and Lt. Gov with Ken Wooden a national expert who runs a program to educate children on how to stay safe. That night after I appeared on Bill O'Reilly's TV show we held a public meeting http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,182306,00.html where Ken gave the course. After the meeting a lady came up to me and said when you were talking about why you were involved you said because you had three sisters and it had touched your family, the lady (now a friend) looked me straight in the eye and said "you didn't fool me because I am also a survivor... tonight you were talking about yourself". She was right, I was horrified because when I was between 4 and 6 years old a female babysitter abused me, something I had never told anyone, and something I certainly had never dealt with! Coming on top of Sam's death I "crashed" it was something I had denied and hid for over 40 years and now it was a secret no more!
Today, while we are still seeing the tragic effects of Sam's death on our son Eric, we thank God for the healing that has taken place and we pray and trust that it continues. Personally, I have been able to heal through the grace of God and a loving and awesome wife! I still remain active in the prevention of child sexual abuse and have put away my anger towards God for what happened so long ago.
Eric July 2009 Wilderness Program in Utah Desert
Mom and Dad Attending Eric's Wilderness Graduation
My writings here are a testament to the healing power of Jesus Christ! At my lowest point God was there to carry me through and because of it, I am a more loving and caring person.
Ryan in Hawaii Family Reunion 12/25/2008
Reid (1) New Short Hair (2) In Hawaii (3) At University in Heidelberg- Halloween
There is no doubt in my mind of the awesome power of Christ. I thank him for a wife that is truly unbelievable, someone I don't deserve but God has blessed me with! I Praise him for 3 wonderful sons, our "3 Kings", Reid (20), Eric (17) and Ryan (14) and for the love and support of my church family from Essex Alliance Church!
