My 4-year-old son cried this morning when he noticed that someone had taken his pumpkin off our front steps.

This is the same little boy who was so excited to show his family the pumpkin he got at the pumpkin patch with his preschool friends during a field trip.

This is the same little boy who squealed with happiness when his daddy said they could carve his pumpkin and set it out on our steps for all to enjoy.

I am the mother of a very sad little boy, and I am very disgusted. I realize kids do pranks on Halloween, but this was not funny. It isn’t always easy explaining to a 4-year-old that sometimes people are mean and do not think before they do things.

I hope that after reading this other parents can share this with their children. If only, as a reminder to think before you act. Think about who could be affected by your what seems like a “small” prank.

Thank you for reading.

Sandi Olson

Albert Lea