I know this has already been addressed in the General Forum....but the Amish school shooting tragedy hits a little too close to home for me to not address it here in the OH/KY/PA/WV Forum where I know there are Amish communities in many of our states. Not sure if this has effected everyone to the extent as it seems it has here...or if it is because of our proximity that the feelings are more magnified. Nonetheless....
Awhile back I started a thread entitled "Rollercoaster Ride" where I lamented the unpredictable and wild ride many of us are on, more commonly referred to as "collegiate baseball". We all get so caught up in our lives and what we perceive as our "problems"...then something like THIS happens that shakes the foundation of all we thought was "important" and helps put what we are all dealing with into perspective. I do not mean to belittle ANY of the problems, situations, dilemmas, etc. that any of us are facing.....but I'm hard pressed to believe that there is much that is more saddening, belief rattling, depressing, unbelievable and shattering than the horror of what happened in that one-room school house full of elementary school Amish children in Lancaster, PA yesterday.
Living fairly near the Amish, let me tell you, I get such a kick and a sense of joy watching them co-exist peacefully, devoutly and simply in our busy world. When my kids were little, we used to do alot of "estate auctions" on the weekends where my kids would play in the fields with the Amish boys and girls while we tried to listen intently to the auctioneer who always conducted his business at a pace that my ears just couldn't quite keep up with. I would always bring along a basket full of those "kids meal" toys that we used to accumulate at a huge rate.....and to watch the kids play with those toys as if they were the best toys in the world...it was such fun. I still enjoy the idea of parking my car right next to a horse and buggy and watching where I step when I get out of the car! Buying my produce from a local Amish stand. Driving by the Amish and Mennonite schools in the spring and fall....and watching the boys in their black pants, suspenders and hats playing baseball on a make-shift field during recess always makes me smile. I think many here have probably experienced many of these same sights.
The Amish will probably be the FIRST to forgive the man who afflicted these atrocities against their innocent little girls. They will probably be the FIRST to include this man's family in their prayers along with their own families who were victims. They have a perspective on life that is not easily and readily shared by many in America. If nothing else can be taken away from this tragedy, let us all take away a little perspective on what is important, and what is not so important, in the grand scheme of things.
The next time my son calls after a game and is upset at his performance, it won't seem quite so earth shattering to me. Not sure if the rollercoaster is at a temporary standstill, or I've gotten off completely.....but it sure doesn't seem quite so nerve-wracking or important to me after yesterday.
If this sounds "preachy"....I apologize because it wasn't my intent. Sometimes, a cold hard dose of perspective just slaps you in the face as it did to me yesterday.
Posts: 2634 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
Kathy, You don't need to apologize or worry about offending anyone. You've stated very well what I know many people have thought about with this tragedy and others recently.
There is nothing that can compare to the loss of a child. To compound that loss by thinking about what your little girl had to feel before she died is just unimaginable. I can't even type these words or the thoughts I shared in the general forum earlier without tears filling my eyes.
We have an Amish community nearby Lexington and I am somewhat familiar with the thought processes and life styles of these peaceful and as you say, forgiving, people. I have no doubt that they will forgive this man. I also believe that will bring them more peace than hatred and anger ever could. I don't honestly know what I would feel or be able of feeling. I honestly just can't imagine ever experiencing that horror as a parent.
I, for the most part, think I do a very good job of keeping things in perspective and understanding what's important in life and what isn't. Even with that said, events like this have to remind us all to hold our children and loved ones a little closer and remember what's truly important in life.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Luvbb.
Posts: 5356 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
I grew up near the Amish and still live near them. Of course this is heartbreaking and of course the things we normally worry about are trivial. Here is a thought that comes to mind. From a song entitled "Dust in the Wind" by Kansas:
I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone All my dreams, pass before my eyes, a curiosity
Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind
Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea All we do, crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see
Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind
Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky It slips away, all your money won't another minute buy
Fungo...interesting sight you linked too. That is a pretty powerful statement as for why the Amish do not condone violence even in the face of iminent death.
I had mentioned before that my husband's family is Quaker....they therefore are also practicing pacifists. Honestly, I don't think I could do it if it were a matter of life and death for a family member.
Posts: 2634 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
It has been awhile since I have had the time or energy to post but felt I should throw in my 2 cents.
Kathy, even if you were preaching...who cares? Maybe that is exactly what we need more of? Maybe we need people to stop trying to "let everyone do their own thing"? Maybe we need to do more to educate the young on the importance of being GOOD people and Good parents? My heart is just so sad when I hear of all these crimes against kids. I can't even find any other feelings but rage!! And like most I feel helpless in it all.
I do agree that when something like this happens it does put us in a better place as far as perspective...makes me appreciate the "normal" things in life...healthy kids and grand kids.. whith their "normal" struggles.
My heart goes out and truly aches for all the people who are victims of such sensless crimes...my wife ws right 25 years ago when she stopped me from becoming a state patrol officer...she said I'd get to involved....she knew me well then.
I hope you all remember to take the time to hug the people close to you and never ever forget to constantly let the ones you love know it.... of course I am "PREACHING" to the choir in this forum...
Posts: 327 | Location: Schaumburg, IL transplanted to the Sunny Southwest....AZ | Registered: May 03, 2003
I do agree that when something like this happens it does put us in a better place as far as perspective...makes me appreciate the "normal" things in life...healthy kids and grand kids.. whith their "normal" struggles.
Mde....welcome back, we've missed you!
As usual,someone else was able to say what I believe much more succinctly than myself!
Posts: 2634 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
Thanks Kathy I don't think I said anything differently or better...maybe just with a Chicago spin on it...god help me for admitting that after what goes on in the IL forum from time to time...lol
I have come to realize a few things since I have been gone...Baseball is just a phase of life that I might miss coaching and talking to my son about, but I will be relieved at the time it comes to an end just for my own sanity..lol
Just when you think everything is going smoothly...there is another obsticle or two thrown in the way. Needless to say he handle's them better than I do. He has a young lady that he is "head over heels " about and is happier than at any other time in his life...and she supports him 1000% as he does her endeavers. So I have finally realized that this is truly the most important thing...and he just needs to be him on the field no matter what happens.
And I have always been sensitive to crimes against woman and kids...but maybe being a grandfather makes it her even more...is this maturity?..or is this just growing old and worrying about the way the world is these days? maybe scared is more like it.
Sorry if this is such a downer post...I will cheer up I promise...lol
Posts: 327 | Location: Schaumburg, IL transplanted to the Sunny Southwest....AZ | Registered: May 03, 2003
And I have always been sensitive to crimes against woman and kids...but maybe being a grandfather makes it hurt even more...is this maturity?..or is this just growing old and worrying about the way the world is these days? maybe scared is more like it.
Sorry about the typo
Posts: 327 | Location: Schaumburg, IL transplanted to the Sunny Southwest....AZ | Registered: May 03, 2003
Mde - It is great to hear from you! I think adding the perspective of a grandparent does widen your view on many things. One of my good friends at work just had her first grandchild and it appears to be a magical experience.
Speaking of which, our very own lhpx2 just had her first grandchild last week! Another future baseball player, I'm sure.... and a real cutie pie!!!! Congrats K!!!
Posts: 5356 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
Thanks lafmom and luvbb...I have watched the room from time to time but don't think I really had much to offer. I do know that being a grand parent is fun and totally different in being a parent. To watch my oldest son, who was the most unresponsibile young man is a totally different person. To sit back and watch him become a man and a dad it such a joy...almost undescribable.
I hope everyone's son's, and daughter's, are happy and doing well....that is what I will wish for and pray for...that they are all happy!
luvbb...you have a pm
Posts: 327 | Location: Schaumburg, IL transplanted to the Sunny Southwest....AZ | Registered: May 03, 2003
Hi everybody-- I know it's been a while since I've chimed in. The main problem is that I can't access this site from work anymore -- the school district I work for has a pretty strong filter that bars access to just about anything that isn't work-related. That's really gotten in my way!!
Anyway, as Lafmom reported, I did indeed attain Grandparent status 2 weeks ago today! I'll agree with Mde5 -- it is a truly amazing experience to hold the first of a new generation in your arms. It took my breath away. He really is cute (what newborn baby isn't?)and he's already growing like a weed. Though it's too soon to tell about what hand he will throw with, middle son is traveling down there this weekend to meet his nephew and plans to tape a mini-baseball to the kid's left hand and let nature take its course
And, yes, it is fun to watch my son be a dad. He hasn't been one for long, but we can already see those instincts kick in. A joy!
Thanks for all the good wishes, and I'll try to be more regular in my visits
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
Originally posted by lhpx2: Though it's too soon to tell about what hand he will throw with, middle son is traveling down there this weekend to meet his nephew and plans to tape a mini-baseball to the kid's left hand and let nature take its course.
My older son tried to let "nature take it's course" with his baby brother and make him a Lefty but it didn't work.
Congrats!
***************************** "Hey dad.......wanna have a catch?"
Posts: 2747 | Location: NE Ohio | Registered: January 10, 2004
Well, it looks like we'll have one more chance for a matchup between our sons this spring. I'll check my calendar and see if we can make it down for that series.
Posts: 547 | Location: The Great Midwest | Registered: February 13, 2004
lhpx2 - Now Kathy, I'm pretty sure in those pics I saw, the left hand seemed to already be dominant! Tell all those lefty sons of yours, I think it will happen!!
I just went and checked my calendar after that post of yours.... what a vacation it would be during daughter's spring break if I could see your and CD's son play one another! A piece of baseball heaven! However, her spring break is early this year and a couple weeks before that. Would sure be fun though!!
Posts: 5356 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
Buying my produce from a local Amish stand. Driving by the Amish and Mennonite schools in the spring and fall....and watching the boys in their black pants, suspenders and hats playing baseball on a make-shift field during recess always makes me smile. I think many here have probably experienced many of these same sights.
" about and is happier than at any other time in his life...and she supports him 1000% as he does her endeavers. So I have finally realized that this is truly the most important thing...and he just needs to be him on the field no matter what happens.
