Letter to the editor
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, it was my daughter’s birthday. She and her sister are the love of our lives. Of course, there was a party at our house. The whole family was there, four generations. The house was overflowing with good wishes and cheer. Much needed in my case. The events of the last two months have given me much to be thankful for, much to ponder, much to reflect upon. The whole day came together with the big birthday cake, the chides about “how many candles there were,” then the wish, and the 3 year olds blew out the candles with the two smaller ones watching with great amazement. Truly bookends of love for the children and grandchildren we adore.
All of this happening with the backdrop of a world in turmoil, a political environment driven by partisan rigidity, and now a series of national tragedies — Sandy, the Mall shooter, Newtown. These events have left broken lives in their wake. Our ability to explain falls way short considering the scope of the loss. In our Wikipedia/Siri world of instant answers, we grow impatient when seemingly there are no answers.
We know that bad things happen. We also know that with faith, there is hope for better times ahead. We can rely upon our Judeo/Christian heritage, the founding philosophy of our Republic. This is a philosophy that honors fathers and mothers, that respects differing viewpoints without rancor; that promotes freedom, peace and self-reliance; that sets societal goals well above the lowest common denominator; that advances goodwill beyond our borders. From these principles comes hope, strength, courage, love and in short, the ability to cope with terrible tragedy and find renewal in simple things like a birthday party.
Back a few years, at the ripe old age of three, my younger daughter observed her parents a-frenzy about something. She tugged on our pants and said, “Just remember mommy and daddy, life is life.” We laughed. (So little and so wise). Those words have stayed with me all these years. Life will get better. It will take time. We confirm our purpose and faith. So, this Christmas, make room in your prayers for all those who have experienced loss. Let your family know how much you love them and re-kindle hope in your heart.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas and a safe, prosperous new year.
Stanley Ralph
