It has been a long time since I have been motivated by a story or event that could get me sitting here before my computer writing my opinion on that event.

The partying that went on Prom night that eventually led to the arrest and charges of a Clarkson man is what I am talking about.

When I heard about the arrest I was both proud of our police force for taking a stand and enforcing the law and appalled that a parent would allow such a party to occur, allegedly without his knowledge.

I have heard for years “there is nothing for teenagers to do in this county,” “we need a movie theater,” “we have to provide things for our kids to do so they do not get into trouble.” The biggest copout of all is the excuse that teen drug abuse and pregnancy occurs because there is nothing for the kids to do in this town.

On May 9 there were alternative things for the teenagers to do after Prom but those children chose the unsupervised party that went on in Clarkson to the supervised events at Operation Prom.

There were many adults that put in a great amount of time and money to give these kids something to do that would keep them safe.

I did not attend the party in Clarkson but I have heard many, many rumors about the event and if half of them were true those that allowed the party should be ashamed.

The mom in me is so thankful no teenagers got hurt and that no one will suffer from a mistake that may follow them forever.

I always told my kids I did not expect them to be perfect and I expected them to make mistakes and for them to do things that they might regret some day, but my job as their mom was to say no to things I knew would put them in a situation that would cause regret.

To have another adult to open his home and allow, “the partying” that went on in Clarkson to occur makes me shake my head and wonder what this parent was thinking.

Is it most important to be your teenager’s buddy and allow them to break the law, basically putting not only your child’s life in danger but everyone who attends the party and takes a sip of alcohol?

Foremost in my mind is my son’s accident and how easily one event can change a life forever.

I cannot even imagine the rage I would feel at any adult who allowed my child to drink alcohol at his home and have an accident similar to the one that took my child’s life. I just thank God Deuce’s accident was just that and no alcohol was involved.

I am not sure how I would handle the situation if he had been in Clarkson and was given access to the partying that went on with the permission of another parent.

What in the world are parents thinking when they encourage such parties?

The excuse, “kids are going to do it anyway I would rather it be where I can supervise them, is just that, an excuse.

That statement is saying, it’s okay to break the law as long as I watch you do it.

It is illegal to serve, give, or allow any person under the age of 21 alcohol, period and no excuses.