Mark’s Musings – December 19, 2012
Mark Fortune
When you receive this week’s issue of The Beacon, the tragedy in Connecticut will certainly be fresh in our minds. I doubt that anyone can explain this senseless act, at least in the sense of logical terms that we prefer. Families whose lives are now changed – forever. A community that is now permanently scarred. A school that will either become a place to honor the lives lost or a brick and mortar destination that few will want to have on their map.
Legislators, educators, officials and many others will certainly weigh in on this national calamity, with advice, words of comfort and no doubt, increased scrutiny on security at our schools. Could anyone predict such a nightmarish result from anything in this young man’s past? It is doubtful but many will try.
I believe that the families deserve our prayers and that somehow they can find a way to heal their heartbreak. Please take a few moments during this holiday season to remember the families of the youngsters and the adults lost in this tragedy. Those that work with youngsters in our community will also need our prayers as they deal with difficult questions. Thank you.
If anything positive can come out of this tragedy, it is perhaps only this. If a child in this fallen world can maybe receive just one hug from a parent at this most special time of year, or a parent will take a closer look at how they are raising their child, or an abuser in the home can stop short of raising a voice – or worse, a hand in anger. Then, and only then, can we believe that anything good came from this. And of course, this will not heal the hurting hearts. But it just might help prevent another tragedy down the road. And please, know that I considered not writing about the horrific ordeal in Connecticut because any words will ring hollow, but I believe that those lost deserve our thoughts, comfort and prayers.
Give your youngster, your teen or young adult, an extra hug and “I love you” during this blessed season. Better yet, strive to make it one of your New Year’s resolutions next year. We’ll all be better for it.
May you and your loved ones have a very Merry Christmas.
Category: Mark's Musings
