Letter: Stolen, cut-up statues won’t stop mission

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007 | 7:08 a.m.

Last week two bronze statues - one a guardian angel that watched over our property - were stolen from Opportunity Village. They were found in pieces at a recycling yard where they had been cut up for scrap.

The statues were stolen by someone who was after the little money they would bring as recycled metal. The statues were donated by Opportunity Village supporters in honor of a 25-year senior citizen volunteer, and to honor the will and spirit of the disabled people we serve at Opportunity Village.

Opportunity Village exists to love and serve mankind, to make the world a better place. We serve profoundly disabled people who don't have the choices we all take for granted.

Instead of hating the perpetrators, we instead choose to pity them because it's better for us to do so. Besides, as a wise friend recently said, "Nobody can steal the heart and spirit of Opportunity Village." Like the disabled population we serve, we will move forward and continue to beat the odds.

The sun will still come up tomorrow, and we will continue to help our most vulnerable and deserving citizens and their families. And who knows, that number may someday even include the thieves or members of their families. Although we hold no malice, we hope the joy gained from chopping up our beloved guardian angel will be short lived.

Linda Smith, Las Vegas