An Unfair Portrayal

To the Editor:

As I began to read The Bee on Friday afternoon, I became outraged. No, it was not in response to the budget problems, but instead with the way one particular family was portrayed. The Gissens were made out to look like parents who are reckless. Parents who are unaware of their children’s whereabouts. Parents who support teenage substance abuse.

This is very far from the truth. In fact, it is completely the opposite. What the Gissens wanted to do was provide their child and his friends with safe, yet fun after-prom celebration. This was their only intention. My child was at this party. Upon hearing that he was going to be spending the night at the Gissens’ I actually called to make sure parents were going to be present. The Gissens could not have planned this party any better. I was informed that they would be at the party. That this was a substance-free party. No wild-outrageous behavior would be tolerated. Invitations had been sent out. Keys would be taken if someone was spending the night, as a safety precaution. That there would not be more than 50 members of the senior class present. Neighbors had been informed.

I sent my child to this party with full confidence that this would not be a crazy, out-of-control evening. Would I do it again? Of course. The reality of the situation is that it did get out of control. However, the Gissens are not to blame. Alcohol was secretly brought into their home, and was not being consumed with the parents’ awareness or consent. Much of this alcohol was brought in by alumni who had heard of the party through word-of-mouth. There were too many people there, but once again not with the Gissens’ consent.

Sometimes, unfortunately, situations arise that are out of our control. This was one of those occurrences. Did I enjoy being awoken at 4:30 in the morning to pick up my child? Of course not. However, I do not blame the Gissens. No serious injury or damage occurred, except, sadly the Gissens’ reputation. What was intended to be one last hurrah and a celebration among friends has ended up being completely the opposite. So, please, place yourself in the situation of these parents, and realize that they did everything possible to make this a safe party. These are people who care about their children, their children’s friends, and this community. So stop placing blame and realize that this could have just as easily been you.

Thank You,

Mary Schwarz

6 Charlies Circle, Sandy Hook                                         May 14, 2007