Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sad day for the city of Norfolk

Serious post today. 

Last night, a young man and two Norfolk police officers were shot. The young man and one officer died. There's not much information, except that the shooter apparently was randomly shooting from his car. 

The police officer was the community resource officer for our neighborhood. He came to our monthly meetings, told us what was happening crime-wise in the neighborhood. More than that, he made personal visits to houses to check on security. He would walk around the houses, telling the owners what they could do to improve security like trimming shrubs and shutting curtains to keep thieves from looking in. 

Not everyone in our neighborhood trust the police for all kinds of reasons. For some folks, he was breaking through those walls. He was the kind of man who radiated integrity and genuine concern for people. 

Officer Brian Jones leaves behind a wife and three children. 

He will be mourned in our community. 

The city is a better place because of him and a sadder place without him. 

The lesson I am trying to take from this is that life is unpredictable. Officer Jones was doing his job. The young man was driving home from a graduation party. 
We are not guaranteed anything. 
We aren't entitled to anything. 

All we can do is live a good life.
Be kind to everyone. 
Tell people and pugs you love them. 
Use the good china and guest towels. 
Be the person your dog thinks you are.
Leave a legacy of compassion. 

4 comments:

  1. So sad, and such wonderful advice!

    Love, Gampy

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  2. So sweet of you, such kind words for my beloved Brian, he loved all mankind. Willing to take the shirt off his back if you needed it. Amen to all your said, especially the last sentence,
    God Bless you and your family and community.

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  3. We have a lot of random violence like that in my city, too. I think you have to enjoy life, live it to the fullest and best you can, for life can be taken away in a heartbeat. Prayers to the officer's family and the young man's families and healing prayers for the injured.

    Karen and Riley

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  4. We are very sad to hear about the death of your wonderful police officer. We will say a prayer for his family and your community.

    Roxy & Lucky

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