To whome it may concern.

 

I don't remember meeting Judy Lucas, I just always remember her being a part of the Apex community where I grew up.  Every summer my family as well as Mrs. Lucas' family went to the Apex Pool where all of the kids swam on the swim team.  I knew her children, her oldest son Jonathan most specifically, more than I did she and her husband. However I had a great deal of respect for them because my parents showed them respect.  After our days at the pool were over I did not see much of the Lucas family until the summer of 2007. 

 

My daughter Addison was born in March and I had to return to work in July.  Addison had a permanent spot at my mother in law's in home daycare, but she would be on vacation until August.  It was my mother in law who suggested Judy Lucas and because of my memories of her and her family I didn't hesitate to contact her.  Mrs. Lucas could not watch Addison the entire time but agreed to take her for two weeks.  

 

Being a new parent as well as a police officer I am very skeptical, protective and do not trust many people. All my concerns were allivated the very first morning I brought Addison to Mrs. Lucas' house.  Mrs. Lucas was finishing her bible study before the kids arrived, that in itself is a huge relief to me knowing my daughter would be staying in a Christian home.  Mrs. Lucas showed me where to place Addison's belongings which were out of reach by the children and showed me the areas the children would be.  The house was extremly clean and well organized.  I did not see anything that would be a distruption to the kids or cause them any injury.  I felt Addison was safe and protected.  I was not disappointed when I picked her up that day or any day in the future that Addison has stayed with Mrs. Lucas. 

 

As Addison has grown older there have been many times I have asked Mrs. Lucas to take care of her and the days that she can, she does.  I know Mrs.Lucas spends time with Addison, pays attention to her, helped her grow and learn and took interest in her.  Addison truely enjoyed the time she has spent there, even though it has been limited she remembers Mrs. Lucas and smiles at the thought of her.  I feel Mrs. Lucas is a wonderful care taker for children and I would never hesitate to ask her for child care in the future.  I was shocked and amazed when I heard the news that Mrs. Lucas had been charged due to her day care. As a parent choosing to keep my child in an in home daycare, I know there will be days that are not ideal.  I also believe Mrs. Lucas would never intintially place a child in danger.  From the outside looking in, I see Mrs. Lucas giving every part of her to her family and to the children at the day care. 

 

I hope my words find favor in those who are reading them and I ask that an honest, unbiased history of Mrs. Lucas be portrayed.  I believe in Mrs. Judy Lucas and I believe our children will lose in the end if she is not allowed to care for them. I do not know the facts of this case therefore I cannot professionally provide an opinion nor would I attempt to, I respect the work of the Apex Police Department. But do I hear the horror stories spread about her in the news and it makes me angry because who is to judge if they have not experienced the day care or seen the children with Mrs. Lucas.  Lastly, I would like to reiterate again that I would never hesitate to place my daughter in the care of Mrs. Judy Lucas.

 

Sincerly,

 

Sheri Abraham