To the editor:

Every once in a while, as I read the newspaper, I notice a letter similar to this one and I always think how sad it was necessary to write it. Once again a person, possibly more than one, has committed yet another thoughtless act of petty larceny by intruding onto my patio and swiping the donkey from the donkey-cart planter. His name is “Charlie O” and I had him for 45 years. Similar home and garden items have been stolen from me before. Each time I wonder why. I really don’t understand the motivation behind such a disrespectful action.

Besides the obvious loss of personal property, this theft is disrespectful on many different levels. It is scornful of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have perched upon the donkey and had their picture taken. It disregards my feelings and those of the person whose gift is now missing. Perhaps most importantly it scoffs at all property owners whose prideful efforts benefit not only themselves but also the community as a whole. Sometimes it seems like such efforts are an exercise in futility.

Maybe it is possible the day will come that these instances are rare occurrences.

Margaret Jane Sexton,

Lawrence