THE BENCH : PAUSING FOR A MOMENT
The Bench, today or this week is pausing for a moment to recognize that, we keep talking about "something is wrong" but this just happened and I want to share what the BENCH also reminds me of.
A gunman decided to step onto a college campus that just so happens to be near where we live and where one of our 3 children went to school as well as many nephews, nieces and friends. Where I have sat for football games with my best friends, tailgated and one of the few places I took my father when he was alive to football games and where for 30 years watched 3 of my children compete in gymnastics. So Michigan State University is a "good" memory for me.
This gunman shows up and suddenly we hear 3 children dead, others seriously wounded. Suddenly our school on high alert, police, thank god out in high alert, but I watched the kids yesterday. They are exhausted. COVID crushed them, the constant scares at schools exhaust them, the negative non-stop news exhausts them. I look around and tell friends, when I grew up in western Pa. everyone hunted, everyone had some firearm in the home and yet never ever would anyone think to use them on another human.
THE BENCH, is a symbol of safety for me mentally and physically, it is a place where no matter how bad this world gets and treats me, it is there like a rock that I can just on days like yesterday sit. Feel that old duct tape under my hands, cry for the impact this world is having on my children.
We must truly reach out to our children, give them a safe place to be hugged, be THEIR BENCH, PLEASE, PLEASE TODAY, if you have a child no matter how old or young, HUG THEM . BE THE BENCH in the life of a young person to let them know they have a safe place, they are loved they are thought about. They feel, they have fear, they are confused and they need us. BE A BENCH TODAY!
Author, Consultant @ Safe Kids Now | Woman of Distinction
2 年Hi Kevin, Thanks for your insightful article. I hear you, and I am also frustrated that so many Americans don't feel safe in their once-peaceful schools and communities. We can no longer make excuses for evil behavior; we must discuss how to handle anger, hate, and revenge. That is why I wrote "Empowerment Parenting." In addition, "we the people" can make community change. Let me know what you think! https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/citizens-are-the-real-peacemakers-not-politicians/ ??
Appreciate your thoughtful insights Kevin, my son is a freshman at MSU living in Acres Hall. He lived the tragedy first hand as did my wife and I prior to knowing he was safe. I thank the Lord he was at his dorm when this occurred but my heart is absolutely crushed and hurting for the families suffering from the senseless violence. It makes me take pause and realize just how important it is to be the BENCH and only wish the perpetrator of this evil had a BENCH too... While I find it difficult to have sympathy for the perpetrator it's clear he DID NOT have a BENCH after his mother died 2 years ago sending him over the edge. If he had a BENCH maybe this tragedy could have been avoided and I'm committed to trying to identify others that could use a BENCH and do what I can to serve as a one for them if possible. Our "system" needs to do more for mental health in America which starts with ensuring everyone has a BENCH. God bless the family of the MSU students impacted and may their souls rest in peace. ??
President at Golden Rule Partners LLC
2 年Tragic events. Thank you for doing your part turning us from hate to Love.
Pharmacy Inspector
2 年Very well said!!! We all need a BENCH from time to time.