Etan Patz

Even after 30 years this is a name that still strikes terror in the hearts and minds of New York parents. How could they have let him walk alone? As it becomes incr easingly clear that Kate can and should get herself to school, I am now coping with my serious reluctance to let her out of my sight. Like this morning, for instance. We got off the bus and I watched her cross 3rd Avenue and then suddenly I began to tear up. And quickly found a reason to call her with some dubious questions. But of course while she has a goddam phone it doesn't mean that it rings, or that she answers it or that it is actually on.