Out of the last 48 hours, since I started this book on October 1st, 36 of those hours have been spent...in one capacity or another, working on the producing of this book. Having said that, I was distraught at the news of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, NV. Some of you may or may not know that I lived in Las Vegas for two years, while I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every day, for two years I would either ride a bike or walk in nearly 100-degree temperatures in that unique city.
The reason I'm putting pictures up myself in Las Vegas is to show that this city is more than just a mass tragedy. My life was changed for the better because of the people of this city.
Many people go to Las Vegas, Nevada to party and have a good time...I have a different relationship with that town. I served the citizens of that city...I dedicated two-years of my life...from 19 years old until I was 21. I tried to share with them something that was so special to me....but, it was more than that; I spent time with the homeless and visited the poor. I spent half a day cleaning a cockroach infested trailer home where a woman who suffered from schizophrenia spent every day.
A homeless woman wept in my arms after I gave her $10. She was disfigured and had no teeth. Every day as she walked the streets, she could hear peoples comments on her appearance and how disgusting they thought she looked. I don't think it was the money that caused her to weep...all she wanted was to know that someone else cared about her.
One time a security guard at an apartment complex ran up to me as he was covered in blood...someone had just robbed an apartment and they beat him because he was simply making his rounds. I sat with him and talked to the emergency dispatcher as I could see how upset, distraught, and in pain he was.
I have many, many life-shaping moments which happened there. The reason I shared a few short stories from my mission was to try and quickly show the impact this city had on me. I learned to love the people as I served them. My heart yearns for those who have been impacted by this senseless act of violence. I know the people of this city and they will endure! I truly do not know what drives someone to do something so horrific.
After the realization set in and I could digest the immensity of this tragedy...I realized how important it is that I write this book for Brooke! You truly do not know when your life will change. How many people at that event said good-bye to a loved one for the last time. Don't wait until it is too late to express to someone how much they mean to you.
Recently in Minnesota, a police officer was struck and killed by a driver as he cleared debris from the side of the road.
http://www.startribune.com/wayzata-police-officer-william-mathews-funeral/444442553/#1
The driver was high on cocaine, texting, speeding, and had a revoked license. I felt so terrible for the officer and his family and how senseless this tragedy was.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrible tragedy in a city I love. Life is so precious and we should always try to remember to honor it when we can.
No comments:
Post a Comment