The switch helped teach what is and is not respectful
Concerning Leonard Pitts’ article (“What is and is not child abuse,” published Sunday), my sister, brother and I were also switch children, as my mother and father before us.
Yes, our boys were also switch children because our parents taught us to respect and be respected.
As we aged, we understood the meaning of life.
We were much more caring and thoughtful of others, were taught not to lie or steal, to respect and be respected, love God with our whole heart.
I am glad my parents loved me enough to discipline and use a switch to get my attention at times to make me the person I am today.
Thanks, Mom and Dad, and thank God for giving me to you.
— Pat Bassinger
Salisbury

Jack Jowers’ secret
Many thanks to Mark Wineka for his beautiful tribute to World War II POW Jack Jowers. We are so grateful Mr. Jowers has finally returned “home” and has found friends and support at our wonderful Hefner VA Medical Center. Many may believe that after a patriot serves in the military, they can just close the door on that chapter and resume their lives as if nothing has ever interrupted them. Not so.
My father served in WWII in Italy after most of the battles were over. Even so, he suffered his entire life over what he witnessed on the streets of Italy, especially among the children. The very last conversation we had before his death in 1994 recalled the terrified children living on the streets, some with limbs missing and all diving into gutters, behind walls or into some sort of sanctuary at the slightest sudden and loud noise. He wept as he shared his memories with me.
My husband of 43 years, a Vietnam veteran, had nightmares for decades and would cry in his sleep. He was never able to remember those dreams and they have not occurred in many years. Hopefully, those demons have left him to peace. He has been welcomed and respected by the extraordinary staff at the Hefner VA center and is being followed closely due to his exposure to Agent Orange during that war.
I am certain Mr. Jowers is in good hands with those compassionate and understanding staff members and being treated as kindly as my husband. Welcome home, Mr. Jowers! And thank you for your service.
— Gail Cauble Gurley
Granite Quarry