How Can Cowards Be So Vicious? I Thought They Were Cowards?

     Yet another vicious and cowardly act has taken our nation's attention and the lives of many innocent and unarmed people, only this time the people were mostly children who were unable to know even how or when to run without an older someone telling them to do so. 

     The perpetrator of these heinous and brutal acts; a mentally ill, mixed up young man barely more than a child himself.  There is a sad and frightening pattern here and I hope parents of similar young men will take note and keep a sharper eye on the behavior of their sons, as well as the whereabouts of any registered weapons, as a result.

     Along with the rest of the world, my heart is breaking for the parents and families of the children and those who died to save them.  Even China, in the midst of all of the political strife that seems ever present nowadays, called to offer sympathy.  It took me a brief moment to recall that China has been through similar losses not that long ago, with some of their own very young children slaughtered by similar cowards while, presumably, "safe" at school.  The memory must have seared through many hearts and minds to prompt that call, but the parents and families of Newtown, CT may know, absolutely, that an entire continent in addition to this one, knows and understands their pain and is currently united with all of us on a level none of us could have ever foreseen or would ever have wished to exist.  But, today, we are one in our shock, pain and grief.

     Through the days that follow parents and loved ones will have to sort out their lives, dealing with the Christmas gifts that must now be donated or returned, the appointments that can no longer be kept, the schedules no longer necessary.  They will have to start filling in the holes in their lives as bitterly and relentlessly as the earth fills the graves of their lost loved ones, because life goes on; it is inexorable in its march and rhythms and we follow, willingly or not.  This is not a bad thing.  The time this process spans heals the pain, softens the memories, brings the good and gentle thoughts to the forefront, although that emptiness can never truly be filled; ever.

     To the little ones of Newtown and their brave protectors who did not make it beyond the beast that was that young man's mind and heart, "God's Speed, Little Ones'" for we are all children of a living God who loves and grieves with us at mankind's weaknesses and failures.

     This reminds me of an article I read recently about a little 8-year-old boy who died of cancer.  His Dad reported feeling sad while at work one night thinking that his son would likely never grow up to be married, have children of his own, and so on, but had never said anything about this to his little boy, for obvious reasons.  When this Dad got home in the morning and was getting his son up for school, his little boy looked right at him and said, "Daddy, I'm never going to be married."  This startled the father and he wondered how his son could possibly know what he had been thinking while at work and the Dad said, "What makes you say that, Little Buddy?"  His son looked at him and said simply, "Because God needs me more.  I was your angel before I was born."

Truly, may the peace that passes all understanding belong to all of us this holiday season.

Love,
Izzlebug