The dove is a symbol of peace. Merry Christmas to you!

Hey it’s Terrific Tuesday again. How’s everything in your neck of the woods?

Today is the last installment of the “The Friendly Beasts.” In light of the school tragedy in Connecticut, I have chosen the dove. Not that I know much about doves. But… they symbolize peace. They symbolize God on Earth. To me, we need that now more than ever.

This is a fallen world by all accounts whether it is Christianity or Judiasm, or even karma-based like Buddhism. Things have never been good since folks began to record this stuff we call human history.  My favorite writer Kurt Vonnegut said, ““History is merely a list of surprises,’ I (he) said. ‘It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again. Please write that down.” He also wrote:

“So it goes.”

I was surprised last week by the evilness of one young man killing children til I realize in Africa in certain countries, it happens every day. Or even as ghastly, the children are part of human trafficking.

In America we ask? How does it happen? Well… mental illness, copy catting, availability of guns, struggle for power and pure evil unleashed.  This boy’s mother apparently, according to published accounts, believed Dec. 21  was the real end of the world, so she armed herself to the teeth. Even in a household where she told her friends, her son was very disturbed. Irony? The world ended a week early for the both of them and sadly 26 innocent children and educators. Lord have mercy.

The federal privacy act HIPPA protects,  but maybe too well. It impedes professionals from sharing what they know for fear of a lawsuit.

“So it goes.”

Doves. Peace. We live in a history of surprises and many of them reflect the dark side of human nature. But thankfully, good prevails. Eventually, it always has. The world teeters, then rights itself. The light. Look for the light in the situation. Millions around the world  have embraced the community and Sandy Hook Elementary School. Questions are being asked– do we really need more laws concerning gun ownership?– and does anyone need to own a semiautomatic rifle? Whatever you feel about the answers, thankfully the questions are on the table.

I will repeat the other lesson I used on my personal Facebook. Next time some politician, or anti public school person goes to villainize teachers and how much they cost the state, the locality, blah… blah. Simply say, “Sandy Hook Elementary School.” Those teachers  and administrators did the best they could to save the children in that school at loss of their own lives. Miss Soto will always be a hero of mine. They are heroes not villains. They educate the next generation, prepare our country for the future. Sometimes, they die doing it.

The teachers in Botetourt County, I have every good faith, would step-up to protect their students. It must be overwhelming to practice those drills for lock downs. I am sure it is not a class they take in college, either.  They teach to prepare your children and mine for the future by imparting knowledge. Our Sheriff’s Department is on top of the building drills as well. Matter of fact, they are a “go to” for other departments around the area for preparedness. Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle and his officers run a tight ship in the law enforcement world. You can be willing to bet every Botetourt EMS personnel has been briefed, too.  Botetourt County takes Emergency Services very seriously. We own a command center trailer for a reason. Be proud of your professionals.

“So it goes.”

The public safety workers came as fast as they could to Sandy Hook Elementary. Their arrival caused the killer to take his life. Sadly one deranged son, his mother and too many dead children and educators later but… it could have been much worse.

“I,” said the dove from the rafters high,
“I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry;
We cooed him to sleep, my mate and I.”
“I,” said the dove from the rafters high.

A message loud and clear I hear today and heaven sent. “Peace. Do not cry,” cooed The Dove from on high in a teetering world needing HIS voice to right itself.

“So it goes.”

See you next year!