Weekend breakfast chatter, all about little kid things, soccer and play dates. Then “We got measured for our recital dresses!” cast a shadow and my husband got quiet. A silent question answered with one word “Nassar.” How many times is this happening in every family, since the recent stories of Nassar's victims were told. Fear suddenly darkens conversations about scout camp outs, baseball practice, sleepovers, even art class. “I love my art teacher, he is so funny!” can now make us afraid. “What happened, why is Papa upset?” the kids asked, confused by the change in mood. I don't want to say in front of the kids. But then, of course I do want to. I have to.
"There is a doctor named Nassar and he broke the privates rule, with a lot of girls. And they told about it, and now he has been stopped," I say. “What did he do?” asked the 7 year old. "He pretended to be helping them, but he touched their privates in a way that broke the privates rule.” "Why did he?" Asked the 9 year old. “I don't know. He knew it was wrong, and he still did it. It happened to a lot of athletes, Olympic athletes. “ Then: "It even happened to Aly Raisman." That phrase, “It even happened to Aly Raisman” has the power to lift the silence that separates kids from the protection of their parents. She is a hero in this family, we celebrate her many victories, even waved at her in her parade. “Aly Raisman, and a lot of other athletes, told what he did to them, that he broke the privates rule. Just like if you ever think maybe someone isn't following the privates rule, you will tell, so we can help.” “We know!” they said, in a tone as if I was talking about wearing a helmet, or brushing their teeth after sweets. This is not a new topic, and they, too, know they must speak up if they meet a Nassar. It would be expected, and I know that expectation protects them.
Yorumlar