I think of those 20 kids. Those 20 little faces. 20 people who had all of the potential in the world. 20 innocent people, who despite all of the evil, and discontent in our society and in our world, were still at an age when they hadn’t yet been corrupted. I think of 20 kids who got up and went to school, like it was any other day, who eagerly awaited the weekend (and who even more eagerly awaited the upcoming holiday and a visit from Santa).
What could have been going through their minds when a 20 year old man started shooting? Did they cry? Did they hide? Did they comprehend what was happening?
I think about those parents. Those 20 sets of parents whose worlds are crashing down on them today. Parents who had the normal frustrations of life yesterday and who are now experiencing pain that most of us will never have to imagine. Waiting to wake up from this terrible dream, still in disbelief that this could have happened, longing to rewind time, and knowing life will never be quite the same. 20 sets of parents who kissed their babies goodbye this morning or last night and who took for granted that they would see them tonight and that they would be safe and that all would be right, at least in their worlds. Continue reading
Boston Marathon bombing: one man’s response
Any event where innocent people lose their lives and that causes the rest of us to question our own safety in doing ordinary activities like viewing sporting events is a tragedy because it undermines the way in which we function as a society.
I’m a pretty cynical person. And I’ve seen a lot of statuses in the wake of today’s tragedy in Boston talking about losing faith in humanity and asking what the world is coming to. Unfortunately, there will always be bad people. When we see people who go out and cause harm to others, I’m always heartened to see the great lengths people will go to to rush to the help of others, risk their own safety, and search for ways to be part of recovering. We’ve seen tremendous stories of heroism at Sandy Hook, in Aurora, at the World Trade Center, and we will always hear stories of people facing evil at whatever the cost in the shadow of tragedy to rush to the aid of those in need.
I see the picture of a man on the ground with three police officers around him. To me, that image is a symbol of America’s response to today’s event. I feel that it capture the essence of our fellow citizens rushing to help a man who’s been knocked down while also rushing to action.
Like so many people across America and throughout the world, I join in praying for the victims and for their families.
jrb
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