Chief Magistrate Padgett 'deserves a medal' for Teenage 101 seminars

Editor:

What words can you use to say "thank you," when those words are not nearly enough?

I am talking about Judge Wade Padgett. What an awesome person this man is. How many people out there care about your kids to do what he is doing? And all for no gain, except to save our kids' lives.

I went to his parent training, and was so impressed that I could have sat through the lecture again just in order not to miss anything.

Then I sent my 15-year-old daughter. Would you believe, she actually thanked me. Said, Mama, after what I just heard and what I just saw, I will never take drugs, or drink or smoke. And the sex can wait 'til marriage. There is nothing out there that would be worth ruining my life and/or my reputation. I said, what about your peers? I just kept getting shock after shock. She stated, If they don't like my choices, then I did fine before I met them and I will do fine without them.

Padgett needs a medal. I have never been so impressed by one super gentleman in my life and I am 71 years old. An old parent, I grant you. And I must tell you, they are much harder to raise now than my first set some 25-odd years ago.

All six of my children and four grandchildren have gone through Columbia County schools. That is why my late husband and I moved here, because of the schools. There are many people whom I could mention that have impressed me, but to be honest, Padgett comes in first and Gene Sullivan runs really close behind him. He also cared about all our kids.

But I just want to let the judge know what good he is doing. Words cannot express. He reminds you of a big cuddly teddy bear that you just want to hug. His family is surely blessed.

I am a "tough love" parent, and I just want to say: You can't be a friend or a buddy; you must be a loving "tough love parent." Trust me; you will be more respected than you will ever believe.

Thank you, once again Judge Wade Padgett. May God bless you and yours.

Barbara Driggers, Harlem