Editor:

I would like to thank all of the gossips and people who "know" my family and the whole situation that unfolded at my house last Wednesday.

My house is not a meth lab, nor is it a party house, as some people that "know" my house or my family may have stated. It was, however, a place where a very unfortunate incident occurred.

My wife and myself are hard working people, with three wonderful children.

I'm quite sure you have seen us out front, with our children and some of the neighbourhood children playing in the yard.

The events that happened were caused by a really good, loving, caring young man who was emotionally distressed. Mental illness is a very serious disorder that will affect one in five Canadians, so before you cast the first stone, maybe look at some of the members in your family.

This situation could happen to you too. I seriously hope not, because it's not a pleasant experience having every looky-loo coming up with some cockamamie story. But hey, why let the truth get in the way of a good story, right?

If any of you would like to learn more about mental disorders, I suggest checking out www.mindcheck.ca.

Alex Pow