Christmas has always been my favorite holiday of the year. After all of the hustle and bustle of work, school, and shopping, things settle as we refocus our time and resources to quality family time, generosity, and the encouragement of goodwill.

I can remember visits to see Santa Claus at the mall with my little sisters, writing him my list of toys on the very first day of December, Christmas caroling, getting out of school, and anxiously, and somewhat impatiently, awaiting the arrival of Christmas day.

There is no denying that Christmas is a very special day for children. Unfortunately, Christmas is also a startling reminder that not every child will have these same memories.

The first time I truly came to this realization was in high school. As part of a tutoring program, we held a Christmas party each year for the children that we tutored. The first week of December, we would ask the kids to make a wish list for Santa. I naturally expected the lists to be filled with toys, but to my surprise the lists were quite different. They asked for coats, new shoes, and even similar items for their siblings and parents.

It was also that very same year that I learned one of the girls I tutored regularly had become a victim of child abuse. This began my passion for child abuse awareness and prevention.

“Amy” was energetic and enjoyed the socialization afforded to her by this after school alternative. She embraced the opportunity to learn and took our “tutoring time” seriously as she wanted to excel in school. Amy became distant and withdrawn from me and peers. She was frequently absent from the center and when she did attend, she did not exhibit the same tenacity and love for learning. Bruising and other mysterious marks appeared on her body. These markings coupled with her severe behavioral changes indicated some type of abuse.

This incident led me to voracious research and education on child abuse. Through my research, reports show that approximately 100 cases of child abuse and neglect occur every day in Tennessee. At that moment, I realized that my Amy was part of this staggering statistic. Not only are there 100 cases reported each day alone, but 1 in 20 children will be a victim of abuse.

I tell you this not to tarnish any holiday cheer, but to encourage all of us to count the blessings we do have and remember the children in need as we celebrate this wonderful holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Blaire Pancake
Miss Tennessee 2006

For more information on child abuse prevention and how to help, please visit www.keeptnkidssafe.com