Toto, we’re not in Maine anymore…
After three days of the kids fishing on the pond without incident, a teenager pulled a knife on Frank today, holding it to his throat and threatening him. Frank had accidentally cast his fishing line over the teenager’s line. Frank was a bit shaken, but he’s fine. We reported the incident to the main office here and they took immediate action.
They came by later to get a statement from Frank on exactly what happened and asked him to describe the knife. It was a large fish-scaling knife. The teen was very belligerent when confronted (Frank and I watched the whole scene) and his reaction made me very nervous. This was obviously a kid with lots of emotional problems and unharnessed rage. The management here finally located his father, who, of course, sided with his son. He also told them he’s a deputy cop. When Ali heard that, she said, “But he told us his dad’s a security officer!” It’s obvious where the troubled teen learned to lie! What is it with some parents these days?!
Anyway, we’re leaving here in the morning and keeping the children right by our sides until we do. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous about that kid still being here. I think he and his father both need a good swift kick in the pants.
The crime rates in Maine are far below the national averages and we’re just not used to this type of thing happening. The children have never had trouble making friends with other children and even teens. However, the new rule is that they’re not allowed to speak to anyone older or bigger than themselves, no matter how young or innocent that person may appear.