First, let me start
by saying I am an animal lover. I love animals, I truly see them as a gift from
God to enhance and bless our lives. I love cats, dogs, birds, fish… aren’t they
relaxing… elephants, mice, guinea pigs, pigs, dolphins… I could go on but you
get the point. You may have noticed I did not mention any reptiles, that was
not a mistake. Although I do believe all men/women are created equal, I do not
feel the same about animals and there I have now exposed my bias! Anyway, I do
love animals. I feel anyone who is cruel to animals, or children is a special
kind of evil and I have no tolerance for this…. Oops now I have exposed my intolerance,
I may have to watch my back after this blog is posted…. I do love, love animals
and learning about them. HOWEVER, if I see one more post about this gorilla, I may
scream. I truly am saddened that this creature who was minding his own business,
living his life in his habitat had to lose his life, I really am. I am however
not mad at the zoo officials, they had to make a tough call, not a call any
animal lover EVER wants to make, and they had to do it fast. They are not to
blame, they suffered a great loss. I am
not angry with the 4year old, you know, 4 year olds have guardians for a reason…
Enough said! No, I cannot watch the full video, but I saw enough to know. It is
a great loss. But human loss is even greater. Like it or not, agree with me or
not, human life is more valuable and just as irreplaceable. According to God’s
very words, we are His greatest creation. Unfortunately, this gorilla is the
victim of human error, as was the child. This child should not lose his life
due to a possible lack of supervision. The whole thing is a tragedy, a tragedy
this child will realize more and more as he gets older. I am certain because I ran over an elderly cat of ours,
years ago and I have never forgotten it. I bawled, had nightmares, then cried
some more. This story isn’t over for those involved. It is a tragedy all around.....
BUT…. BUT, I have to
ask WHY, WHY does it seem on this day of remembrance for those who sacrificed; some
who sacrificed all, some who will never hug their family again, some who will
never be the same, some who suffer day after day, some wishing they had lost
their own lives, some who watched as others gave the ultimate sacrifice I have
to ask why does this gorilla’s life seem as though it is getting more attention
than the brave men and women who provided us the freedoms that allow us to spew
and post opinions and even ignorance on social media without the fear of being
stoned or having our heads chopped off!!!! I think this is a legitimate
question and the longest sentence I have ever typed! (I would take the time to
mention the lives of the unborn that are also needlessly lost, but this would
become the longest blog I’ve ever written) Do those who have taken the time to
post their opinions calling the zoo officials murderers have any clue what
today is about? Do they know this day was originally named Decoration Day? Do
they know it started after the civil war by Union veterans and merged into a remembrance
for all American soldiers who gave their lives while in military service? (That
is ALL. The red, the yellow, the black, the white, the brown…. ALL) Do those
who are crying outrage and tragedy for this gorilla have any idea how many
people died for their freedom? Do they acknowledge it? Do they celebrate it? Honestly,
do they appreciate it?
Admittedly, even I, a
very patriotic, freedom favoring, liberty loving, red white and blue wearing
American knows that my expressions of gratitude nor the tears I have shed or the
prayers I have prayed can come anywhere near providing the thanks they each
deserve for all they have given. I don’t know if they can see or feel my gratitude,
but I hope they can. I hope and pray for the rest of my life to make sure not any
veteran I encounter ever doubts how much I appreciate his contribution and
sacrifice. If you ever doubt that they appreciate our expression of thanks, let
me share something with you. While in Academy a few months ago, to buy Jerry a new pocket
knife we (I had 5 of my kids with me) encountered a Vietnam veteran. As soon as
I saw his hat, I turned to him as he was looking around. As soon as I caught
his attention, I said, "Thank you, sir for your service and sacrifice for our
country." He choked immediately, I involuntarily decided to join him in choking.
The kids also acknowledged him. We struck
up a conversation about the sad state of our country. Right after as I was
looking for a knife, he insisted on helping us find the right one. He even took
out his knife and showed us what he liked about it, which brand was best for
what Jerry wanted. He still seemed to have a spirit of serving and I was
appreciative of his help. I think he needed to help me as much as I needed his
help, if you know what I mean.
Remember these mostly
faceless human beings who gave so much, they are someone’s father, mother,
brother, sister, husband, wife, uncle, aunt, or child...They may be yours;
appreciate them, respect them all as though they are. Take the time, not
just today, every opportunity you have to let them know not only do you
remember those who have served and or sacrificed, but you will never, ever forget.
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