TCG: Ignorance

Is Not Bliss

To the Editor:

I am writing in regard to the article I read online just now, written about the deadly activity “TCG,” The Choking Game.

After reading the recommendations at the bottom, and I could not agree more with it, I do feel compelled to write and let you know the other side of this coin.

On May 6, 2005, one of my twins, Gabriel died as a result of his partaking in this wicked, thrill-seeking behavior, TCG. Gabriel was an open boy; I was an open mom. I tracked, monitored, spied, watched from afar without giving myself away (at times to just see my boy “on his own” to make sure he was “behaving” … and make sure his integrity character was still in check). I asked questions, I answered most questions, I ragged.. and sometimes, regretfully, really ragged.. I was on to something, but something was so out of place, something I could not narrow down quite enough. And that was my ignorance to the signs of someone who is oxygen deprived. There is so much to the story. My point: I was pretty tuned in. I adore that boy still. This horrible, soul searing, devastating pain has happened to many “good” families!

To parents of children who did all the right things, this game, TCG, The Choking Game knows no boundaries! It cuts across all of them! It does not discriminate! All social, economic, race, gender, and ages have become victims to this thrill-seeking activity! For years it has been killing.

It is extremely important to me and I’m sure others. Oh, I’m very sure, that the public, the world knows: Even if you have the very best, the most idyllic situation of parenting, kids have and tragically almost assuredly will, continue to die. Ignorance is anything but bliss.

Sarah Pacatte

Gabriel Mordecai’s Mom

PO Box 1451, Paradise, Calif. May 2, 2006