Jason's mom -- Judy Harper tells of her son's unfortunate death, and the crusade she leads as a result today.
My life was blessed with two sons, Eddie and Jason. Eddie was born May 1, 1968, and became a father in 1999. Jason was born July 28, 1973, and became a handgun victim in 1987.
Jason was killed while playing at his father's home, by a 38 caliber handgun that was left loaded and accessible. We've all read these all too familiar stories in the newspapers.
Jason's father and I were divorced, and Jason was left "alone" at his father's home where his stepmother collected handguns, and apparently left them loaded and unsecured. I've never dealt much with guns, I was a pacifist in the 60's, and never allowed my sons to play with "toy" guns! It just never occurred to me that my sons would be exposed to weapons elsewhere! I now warn every parent I meet, please ask the question... "Do you have guns in your home, and are they secured?"
It has been 13 years now, (1987 - 2000), and I've spoken to civic groups, been on national television (CNN), and made a PBS "safety announcement" all about the responsibility of handguns in the home. I've demonstrated how you can secure the weapons in the home by using a simple padlock and key in the trigger hole. It's inexpensive and simple to use.
I joined Handgun Control, Inc., Georgian's Against Gun Violence (GAGV), and the Million Mom March -- http://millionmommarch.com to attempt to stop this madness.
I've begged, pleaded, and argued with the Georgia Legislature about a "Bill" to protect children in Georgia and punish people who don't take gun ownership seriously... but to no avail. The owner of the gun that killed my son was never punished or even reprimanded, and the guns are still there in her house, loaded and accessible to anyone. She, like many gun owners never think of the consequences of their carelessness.

I will continue my crusade to educate America about the RESPONSIBILITY of gun ownership.

I will continue to HONOR Jason's memory by telling his story.

I will continue to PRAY that we can stop the killing of our children with carelessness and ignorance.
My message to the world at large:
If you own guns, secure them with trigger locks, or lock-boxes, and put the ammunition somewhere else. GUNS KILL, don't let the next person who finds/uses your handgun be someone's CHILD, maybe even your own! TAKE THE TIME TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.
On Mother's Day, May 14, 2000, President Clinton, Mrs. Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell, and thousands of mothers, fathers, and families will march in Washington DC to let the politicians who debate gun laws see the faces of those we have lost, and share the pain of losing a child. Hopefully then Congress will act to protect the future of all of our children
OWNING A GUN OF ANY KIND IS A RESPONSIBILITY... AS ADULTS WE ARE HERE TO PROTECT THE CHILDREN... GUNS KILL...
Jason's honor page: www.webhealing.com/hon/judy.html
email is welcome at: GeorgiaMom_2000@yahoo.com