“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”
~James Dean
~James Dean
Valentines is a hallmark holiday in my mind. It is definitely not one of the majors (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter), and not like birthdays and anniversaries. I have begrudging participated over the years and continue to do so. I get the cards and little gifts. I have done the flower thing and bought the pretty jewelery. I say that because I am not above participating in the forced "date night." This year is a little different.
In our little town of Kirkwood, we have had a recent event that has made all of this seem quite irrelevant. About a 1/2 mile from my house sits the City Hall where I voted the Missouri primaries. Two days later, a disgruntled man stepped into that same building and shot 2 policeman, 2 city council members, 1 public works person, and the mayor. They were all killed except for the mayor. He lies in a hospital ICU in critical condition. This small suburb of St. Louis, a quiet, family oriented town, is in shock.Tonight, as I drive home with my hallmark cards and box of chocolates, I pass children placing luminaries in the front of their houses. The streets are filled with these candle lit bags. A tribute to the fallen. Families walk the streets to observe the community's tribute. My eyes well up, and I realize that the chocolates and cards probably mean less to my family than just having my presence at home. I am sure the members of our city government said something I have said to my family many times, "I'll be right back."
To my Kirkwood family, I grieve with you.
To the families our mayor, city officials, and policy officers, I pray for you.
To my family and friends, I love you.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
~Lao Tzu
4 comments:
from anon#2
so sad, amazing how things can change in a moment.
you know, I was thinking the same thing today.. not within the lines of such a sincere cause..but, for the sake of a little laugh, since humor is one of things that gets us through these things..
It is the interesting fact that for the last 3 years, I've spent valentine's day in the library. I've determined that it has become my one true love..
Here are a few reasons..
1. It knows so much about everything..
2. It never stops giving me things (knowledge, library fees for late books, etc.)
3. It loves just falling asleep w/ me by its side when I'm tired.
4. It's usually open
5. it's always there for me when I need it.
Of course I feel bad, because I've been unfaithful at times..I used to study at the UoMiami (fl) library, and now I'm here studying at the NYU library.. I don't even want to talk about when i was studying at the Downstate library, that was a bad time in my life.
What a horrible tragedy, and we have yet another school shooting in the news as well. Just horrible, horrible acts carried out by very sick individuals. You're right, the best gift isn't the chocolates and flowers,etc...it's you. We are so blessed everyday we get to have the people we love in our lives.
Take care.
Oh, how awful. Take care.
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