I was going to write more along the theme of last week’s post, but I’m going to focus on this week’s events. Police officers killed two people, one in Louisiana and one in Minnesota. Last night an armed, former soldier killed five police officers as a rally wrapped up in downtown Dallas.
I lived in the Dallas / Fort Worth area for almost nine years. I saw first hand the patriotism of the residents after September 11, 2001. My Dad and I were in Texas Stadium two weeks later to watch the San Diego Chargers take on the Dallas Cowboys. For the Star Spangled Banner, armed forces personnel unfurled a massive, Texas size flag. It covered the field, and only the end zones remained visible. At that moment in time, we all loved our country.
Years later a tornado struck downtown Fort Worth, knocking out many windows of the skyscrapers. It was a difficult time, but the citizens of North Texas came together, and the vibrant atmosphere of Fort Worth lives on. It is a great town to visit.
I watched ABC News tonight and at the end of their broadcast, they showed several people approaching the memorial outside Dallas Police Headquarters to lay flowers or other mementos. Those who stopped by said it was important to show support for the Dallas Police force. I truly believe the DFW area will emerge stronger.
Tragedy struck Dallas before, and I shouldn’t have to mention the tragedy by name. Life in Dallas, and in Fort Worth, and all the surrounding suburbs, will get better. Just like it did those many years ago.
There are incredible stories coming from last night’s events. As a writer, that’s where you want to be, capturing the emotion of each person involved. I wish that author my best. After all, history doesn’t write itself.
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What I’m Reading – Many readers I know like to inquire what their favorite author is reading. At the end of each blog post, I’ll let you know what I’m reading. I may not be a published author yet, but I hope my choice of reading material inspires you to read. I finished Way of Wonder: Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist. My review is on Good Reads. Next week I will be reading Once, There Were Sad Songs by Velda Brotherton. I encourage you to read a variety of topics.