The tragic irony. . .

While this space is usually spent pursuing the lightness of art, I would be remiss to ignore the tragedy that has been unfolding in Arizona since yesterday.  I feel sure everyone is saddened to the point of numbness about a senseless act that has irrevocably changed the lives of so many. 

I cannot help but be struck dumb that I had no knowledge of Gabrielle Giffords' shining light. 

Gabby, a young woman ironically the age of  my own daughter, has risen so beautifully in our government for all the right reasons it's reported.  To go out on a limb, I will only say that our media driven society shines the light on the worst of the worst anymore. . .how on earth do we get to know and acquaint ourselves with the goodness of people in this day and age?  Yes, we experience it in our communities on a daily basis. . .going about our daily lives we get a glimpse into the hearts of people.  But on a national level I believe we are not introduced enough to those who are more than the sum of their parts. . .those who inspire hope and faith and are above the fray.  The news out of Arizona this past year has focused on hate mongers, has it not?  That seems to be a shameful state of affairs.    

Christina Green's (the nine-year-old girl) death has struck me in a most powerful way, for deep inside I had the feeling that Congresswoman Giffords was someone this little girl looked up to, and she was perhaps at the "Congress on the Corner" to meet her. 

We as women seek out those women who succeed, who accomplish great things and share our gender. . .this recognition of female achievers begins at an early age for a strikingly, deep gender gap continues to be a very large part of our society, and we females instinctively know, seek out and hold in high esteem the female achievers who are indeed above and beyond the pale.  

It appears my intuition was keen, as it is being revealed this morning that Christina had recently been elected to her school council and had a true interest in politics for one so young.  Once again in irony, Christina, having been born on September 11, 2001, had been included in a book as a baby as "a face of hope."  It begs the question, would Christina have been at that shopping center if her representative had been a man?  Too sad to contemplate, for many reasons.

Will this tragedy usher in a new beginning of some sort?  I stand ready to witness any scrap of goodness that's thrown my way. . .any shred or sign of decency and regard for fellow human beings. 

On a more personal note, my granddaughter's godmother lives in Tuscon. . .a short distance from the scene of the tragedy.  In irony she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl only days ago.  It goes without saying that her sense of security, saneness and all that's beautiful has been shaken to the core during this twilight time of wonder, love and bonding between a newborn and mother.  A harsh reality has battered her new mother's heart. 

In not too much of a stretch, I believe sadly with deep conviction every heart is feeling battered this weekend. . .regardless of gender.  My thoughts and prayers are with all.

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