The past few days I have been stunned and saddened by the catastrophic events that have taken place here in Canada and in the United States.
Instead of belabouring the senselessness of these acts of violence I want to focus on the first responders who stepped up to help when it would’ve be easier to look the other way.
Humboldt, Saskatchewan was the scene of a horrific vehicle accident three weeks ago. Sixteen people died and many more were injured. The hockey community, the country, the world mourned the senseless loss. But, the heroics of first responders on the scene and at the hospital filled my heart with gratitude. I can’t imagine the trauma they endured, and I hope and pray they can find peace in those they were able to help.
A man, half-naked, opened fire on a Waffle House in the Nashville area and if not for the bravery of a customer who threw himself in danger by tackling the man to the ground, many more lives may have been lost.
And then there’s the individual who drove his van onto a busy Toronto sidewalk and mowed people over like bowling pins, all because he couldn’t get a date. Thanks to the extreme bravery and training of a Toronto police officer the suspect was apprehended without any shots being fired, though he pretended to have a weapon and clearly wished to become a martyr by getting shot.
Heroes step up to the plate without thought to their own safety- or actually maybe it’s more to do with their deep love of life. Without people like the first responders, doctors, police, or the average guy just out for a breakfast and instead ends up risking his life, we would be a much sadder world.
It’s no wonder romance authors love to write larger-than-life heroes, they give us hope.
I couldn’t agree more. I often wonder what caused our would to turn so violent. What caused the change where kids are no longer safe in schools, people in malls, churches or even their own homes. But through it all you are correct in that we always see those first responders or selfless citizens at each horrific scene. Guardian angels perhaps? We may not know what motivates them but they deserve so much more than mere thank you’s could ever express. I just thank God for inspiring their courage and fortitude.
Love you my friend and keep writing. Your story’s always inspire the good in life!
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I love that, Barbara! They ARE guardian angels. They don’t ask for any notice, in fact, I read where the young man in the US started a GoFundMe campaign for the victims after the tragedy!
Plain-clothes heroes, for sure ❤
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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Thanks for sharing my post, Viv {{hugs}}
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You’re very welcome, Jacquie!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
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Very well said, Jacquie! 🙂
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Thank you, Mrs. N. These tragedies are horrible, but in almost every case there are those who jump into action to help however they can. It let’s me know we aren’t lost. {{hugs}}
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Excellent post, Jacquie. It takes a special breed to face danger like these people have done and will continue to do. Hugs, prayers, and cheers to the first responders and heroes of the world.
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It takes a special person to run toward danger instead of away from it- they deserve our hugs and prayers. Thanks, Mary 🙂
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I wholeheartedly agree, Jacquie!! These responders are without doubt, true heroes, every one of them. xoxo
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Hi Sarah, I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.
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I can’t agree more: heroes don’t discriminate. And that header image is extraordinary.
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Agreed, it almost has a post apocalyptic feel. It caught my attention right away, might need to write a story one day 🙂
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It’s such an excellent use of surrealism; the face of the angel gazing down at the child from the wall is magical.
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein and commented:
from Jacquie Biggar
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Wow, Rob, thank you so much!
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You’re welcome. These are powerful and important words, especially now when we have wealthy elite who tell us that empathy and self sacrifice are a weakness.
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Jacquie, I am sorry I missed this post. (Thanks to Rob for reblogging it.) This is simple, direct, and as a result it is beautiful. Well done, my friend. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. I hate that the news most times sensationalizes the horror and skips over the part that matters- people helping people. {{hugs}}
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A powerful post, Jacquie. We are living in very violent times but that is the history of mankind.
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Unfortunately true, Robbie. Thank goodness there are angels among us to give hope for the future {{hugs}}
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Thank you for focusing on the people who matter, Jacquie. That was a powerful post!
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Thanks, Mae, appreciated.
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Fantastic post Jacquie. The world has gone mad. 😦
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