Ok, I'm embarrassed that I have started a blog a few times, a few years apart, and then let it go. Great way to engage a following, no?
I've ignored the inner urgings to continue writing (as former newspaper reporter and copywriter), and promptings from my son, who has read things that I have not shared with others.
Tonight I was moved to comment with more than a few lines on my reaction to the apprehension of the 2nd suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings. Actually, my major reaction was to the posted image of the young man that was apprehended this evening (visual person that I am, despite the writing background).
After posting my thoughts, the first two comments that appeared were from two former editors at two separate newspapers for which I previously worked. The first I had just recently connected with on Facebook, and the second, I just connected with after the post. Seriously? Is that not a sign? Duh.
Therefore, here is what I posted, and I will continue this blog, if only because I now know I am meant to do so, even if no one reads it....
Following is the post I shared on Facebook tonight, Friday, April 19, 2013:
Suspect #2 has been apprehended. Those in the Boston area in harm's way are breathing a sigh of relief. My heart goes out to the victims and their families - deceased, injured and traumatized.
As horrific as all of the videos and images of the bombing & aftermath were, what I found even more chilling was the image of the innocent-looking 19-year old child, who less than a year ago became a US citizen, with his whole life ahead of him, full of potential to be educated, succeed and do good in the world, turned terrorist.
I looked at this image of this clean-shaven, clear-faced, relatively attractive young man, and I got the chills. Tears came to my eyes, wondering how such a innocent young soul could be filled with so much hatred so early in life. How could such an intelligent being be swayed to engage in so much evil?
I have no answer.
As this blog is entitled "A Grateful Late Bloomer," I feel compelled to add something that has to do with gratitude here, as lame or insulting to those who have suffered at the hands of these terrorists it may be. And, please know, I do not take their suffering lightly.
What could I possibly be grateful for here?
I'm grateful for all the brave people in Boston and surrounding areas that worked so diligently to find the perpetrators - both law enforcement officials and everyday citizens. I'm grateful for the immediate responders - both professional and bystanders - who took action to help the victims. This list could go on and on.
But, I am also grateful that I live in a country that attracts and embraces individuals from all different countries, of all different races, with all different beliefs, of all different religions, etc., and will continue to do so, no matter what the extreme minority might do to the majority in this all-inclusive community we call America.
