I was nervous, well no, anxious, afraid. I couldn’t pinpoint why, but it seemed to have something to do with the fact that it was Halloween night.

I enjoyed many trick-or-treat adventures in the past. I remember as a boy going around the neighborhood with my brothers and sister collecting my stash of candy treats. As a father, I remember taking around my kids for their night of fun. Then, as a “Papa” I took my grand-babies, one after another as they begged for a Halloween trip through the neighborhood. Oh, the joy! How I looked forward to that special day of gleeful sugar treats.

It has been seven years now since my daughter has allowed me to be alone with any of my grandchildren. Well, I guess she’s right to have her concern — I have completed three years of probation and treatment as a sex offender after touching my own sixteen-year-old granddaughter inappropriately.

I do not live in the past. I made many phone calls this recent Halloween night as I sat alone at home, with the shades drawn and the porch light off. Today I celebrate holidays with my new family in SA and I am grateful for their love and God’s.