Thoughts...

I have just been at a loss for words since the tragic happening in Newtown, CT Friday.  My daughter saw something my son wrote on his Facebook page Sunday that expresses how I feel very well.  He gave me permission to copy it here.

  I can't stop thinking about the events that unfolded on Friday in Connecticut.  There are multiple reasons it is hard not to, whether it is my own sadness for those families that were impacted, or my own anger of how someone could be so sick and twisted to do that type of harm to such innocent people or my observations of the media and in every page I turn, it is a topic.  Just since Friday, I have read two other articles of "planned mass school shootings", one in Oklahoma and the other in Indiana that were luckily prevented and arrests have been made.  It was just last month where another "copycat" act was being coordinated in Bolivar, MO for a similar act of a shooting at a movie theater, just like what happened in Colorado.  The media is so eager to talk about it and give it as much attention as possible and I feel they continue to raise the bar for the next person to do even more damage.  

No matter the number of lives lost, one is enough. A lot of people, including myself, struggle even more with this latest one where such young children's lives were taken and I just can't comprehend the question, "why did this happen?".  This isn't the time to argue the gun control stance some may have.  As a gun owner, I know where my support with our 2nd Amendment stands.  The issues I feel that need to be addressed are why did a person feel the need to carry out the crime they committed and what indicators were on the surface that could have possibly prevented this?  Normally there are signs along the way, or patterns given that have to be taken seriously, that need to be further discussed and the appropriate assistance available for those that need it to get help.  The media has a lot of great capabilities if put to good use.  Let's begin with pushing more positive news stories, those that we smile or laugh at when read versus those that we cringe at.  Stop giving so much attention to those heartless souls that have no regard for human life. 

 Last, I've been happy to read all of my friends comments who have children and that they were happy to hug them, spend time with them and tell them they love them.  I may not be a parent, but I do appreciate the care I see given to your children.  Never stop doing that and remember this Christmas, it isn't about gifts or material things, it is about being together.  I can think of many people who would love nothing more than to just spend one more Christmas with their loved one.  God bless you and your families.

My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Newtown.

May God comfort them and give them peace as only He can.

* * * * * * * * * *

 My aunt is expected to recover from her fall, but it will be a while yet before she gets to go home.  Her blood pressure has been too low, she's not able to eat very much and is still unsteady on her feet.  The huge knot on her forehead has gone down considerably and her eye is opening about half way now, but the bruising all over her face and neck is quite a sight.  She's been having trouble sleeping as well.  At age 86, her recovery will take much longer than we would like.  There is discussion about her going into a rehab facility for therapy after the hospital releases her.   I'm so sorry this has happened to her, but very thankful that it wasn't worse.

In other news, I do have my house decorated for Christmas and am trying to get all those remaining little details done.  I'm very much mindful since all that has happened, that the only thing really important is that my family be together to share the joys of  Christmas and celebrate the greatest gift of all...the birth of our Savior.

Until next time...