We will return from our vacation Thursday. I am trying to think of how to describe our trip to those who might ask. "Tiring" seems too depressing. "Emotional" seems more hopeful. Emotions are not always bad and the tears eventually stop. July 5th one of my cousins apparently committed suicide leaving behind his female life partner(his term) and a 6-month old son then July 18th a friend from Florida was shot and killed while on duty as a police officer leaving behind his wife (my wife's childhood friend) and 3 children under 5.
I went to various local news website to get details and it was frustrating to see how the "Leave a comment" discussions digressed as people of the web gave their opinions and harped on their favorite topics. My cousin's death turned into a discussion of mental health, homelessness, Ronald Reagan/Bill Clinton, etc.. Junior reporters would also chime in with eye witness details. I was especially moved by the description of the fire engine washing my cousins remains off the train tracks. My friend's death has turned into a discussion of immigration, "the system," and gun control.
I'm all for free speech but I realize now that those news stories are real people. It amazing also how much communicating we do now, how many comments we are making. These two deaths have impressed on me the need to speak the words of appreciation, gratitude and encouragement to the people I actually know.
