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Further reflections on Father Crews

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  Trying to understand why someone would make the false, ugly, hurtful accusation against Father John Crews is impossible. My boys have cried, asking me, “Why Mom, why would someone do this to Father Crews?”

  They, like all Hanna Boys past and present, are asking the same question. They’re devastated and angry. But they will handle this well because Father Crews gave them the tools to do so.

  My oldest son went to Hanna in 2000 at age 11, and graduated in 2007 at age 18. He is now 24 and often says he wishes he was still a boy at Hanna. He visits often. He loves visiting with Father, both in person and on the phone. He says that Father always gives him the best advice, that he’s encouraging, inspirational, honest and of course, humorous, and that Father has never steered him wrong and never pulls any punches.

  My youngest son attended Hanna three different times over a four-year period, from 2007 to 2011. He is now 18 and he often talks about Father and says he misses him the most. He says he never tired of hearing Father talk, whether it was Sunday morning mass or a joke. There was always a message and a lesson in his words.

  Father always made sure my son had sunflower seeds when he sent him off to a football game, and, of course, Slurpees to reward good grades and good behavior.

  Father Crews treated the boys with respect and they respected him. He dedicated his life to God, his family, friends, Hanna, the boys, staff, parents and the community. What has happened to him is devastating. Our hearts are broken and our tears have not stopped.

  Some may ask why he left so abruptly. For those who know him, the answer is simple; he put the boys and the center before himself, as he always has.

  Father Crews has one of the purest hearts I have ever had the honor to know and I will be eternally grateful to him. It is true that Hanna Boys Center will never be the same without him, but he has a wonderful staff and an amazing group of alumni who will carry on in his honor. We love you, Father Crews. God bless.

  Robin Sternes

  Fairfield