News Stories: Making it personal

We often become jaded by some of what we read about what is going on in the world around us. It is not often that we get some personal insight into how some of today’s tragic events affect those involved.

I read with great empathy and sadness the recent Facebook posts of 13-year-old Jaden Ramos, whose ‘best father in the world’ was one of the two NYPD cops killed in cold blood last week as they sat in their patrol car. As Jaden puts it, many say they hate cops, but “they are the ones we call when we need help.” When you read the post that Jaden made on December 9^th, for his father’s birthday, the totality of the heartbreak is compounded.

In my writing, I have often been inspired by real events as the basis for my fiction. In this case, and particularly given the holiday season, I wish with all my heart that I could write some fiction that could change the tragic events that have affected Jaden Ramos and his family. Alas, I can sadly only add my voice to those expressing condolences.

Wil

Tsunami waves hit West Coast - close to home

Tsunami hits the West Coast – close to home

Tsunami waves have hit the West Coast. While I was not directly affected, there are nearby bays and harbors where there has been major damage. Close to home, there are docks destroyed at Crescent City.  The NY Times also ran a story on the damage to Crescent City.

A triple tragic event like this, the Japan earthquake, the threat of radiation from the nuclear power plant, and the tsunami, tends to change one’s focus as it reminds us how perilous and tenuous life can be.  My thoughts are about all those whose lives have changed or been lost in the last  few days.

Wil