It’s a dark day when a teenager is lost in Gilroy in what, by
all accounts now, is an alcohol-related tragedy. That young Sarah
Rose Botill, 15, was the daughter of a firefighter, and that the
tragic birthday sleepover took place at ex-Councilman Roland
Velasco’s home, just adds terrible details to a very sad story.
Nothing will make it better.
1. The battle against the influences in our culture is a never-ending one
It’s a dark day when a teenager is lost in Gilroy in what, by all accounts now, is an alcohol-related tragedy. That young Sarah Rose Botill, 15, was the daughter of a firefighter, and that the tragic birthday sleepover took place at ex-Councilman Roland Velasco’s home, just adds terrible details to a very sad story.
Nothing will make it better.
And honestly it could have been many children in this community, caught up in the culture that strongly influences our world, pressured by the peers who fail to think beyond a terribly misguided “this will be cool.”
We talk to our teens, we warn them repeatedly … they are taught in school about the dangers, and still there are lapses in judgment that can result in such unspeakable tragedy.
2. Take the opportunity to talk to your teen again, against this backdrop
It is, of course, worth another conversation with your teenager. Right now, against this background, that talk may count for more than just the same old, same old. Emphasize the dangers of alcohol and drugs, reiterate that if there’s trouble, call home immediately. We just can’t say it enough. There are opportunities to make mistakes everywhere, and we cannot be with our teenage children all the time.
Beyond that, there is perhaps an opportunity in our community – an impetus to start a SADD chapter in Gilroy. According to the organization’s Web site, it’s a “prevention program that promotes youth development and empowers students to get involved in leading their peers toward good decision-making.”
3. Family will need much support as the story continues to unfold
The program is integrated into schools and the community and is based on science. There’s more information at www.sadd.org/prevention.htm, and while there would be start-up costs involved, there is likely local grant money that would be available for such a worthwhile endeavor.
This terrible story will be ongoing. There are many questions still to be answered and consequences to be sorted out. That an 18-year-old high school senior, legally an adult, supplied the alcohol only compounds the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the support that has been shown to the Botill family will need to remain intact for quite some time. Gilroy is a remarkable community in that way. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family in this tragic time.
