Sometimes something so awful happens it makes me question humanity. Then other times, I see individuals do wonderful things that restores my faith.
I experienced both the other night watching, America’s Most Wanted. It profiled the case of a homeless man, John McGrahm, who was brutally murdered on the streets he called home. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of monster would harm a helpless person whose one crime was being down on his luck. Next I wondered what had become of society that such acts were becoming more and more commonplace.
Then the story continued and I saw something that made me feel hope for the human race. The community that John had called home for years truly mourned his loss. They had considered him a part of their neighborhood, taking care of him, trying to get him help, and often feeding him. His death devastated them and they made sure he was not forgotten. America’s Most Wanted showed a shrine they had erected in his honor, it had flowers, notes and stuffed animals. They have become John’s voice and are demanding justice.
Wow. If there were only more people out there like this. I hope the police find the heartless criminals responsible for this act and lock them up for good. Go check out the profile on America’s Most Wanted.
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=60345
One of the reasons I became a writer was so I could make a difference in this world. John managed to do that simply by living. Maybe I could learn something from him. For now, I will use my gift with the written word to get his story out there so he is not forgotten. It's the least I can do.
Stephani Hecht
Sunday, November 2, 2008
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1 comment:
What a powerful story, Stephani!
It does give one a reason to pause and think about life with all it's ups and downs.
When I was getting my geology degree, we had a professor who every semester posed the question: Do you believe that man is basically good or man is basically bad?
I frustrated him from the first time because I flat out said it would depend on whether one was talking about an individual or the species. Yet he would acknowledge every year we had the discussion, there is good and bad in everything including man.
In this case, you see the best and the worst that man can give out.
Lynn
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