Earlier this afternoon, I began a post about the satisfaction that I felt after rearranging a small area of our home. The beginning of that post is in italics below, just as I left it prior to heading out for our days activities. I am not finishing the post in the manner originally planned due to a recent local newsworthy event which occurred at my Alma Mater. It was (and is) an absolutely tragic occurrence that has hit rather close to home in a sense. Before I go on about the "news", here is the beginning of my original post:
It is the smaller things in life that I find very exciting and fulfilling. I just finished the most lovely project, and I must say, I feel lighter on my feet. (NOT, however, lighter in my loafers, if you catch my drift - I'm light enough there as it is.)
What did I do?
I REARRANGED our computer station! Now, instead of turning sideways to reach the keyboard and see the monitor, we have the option of sitting in front of it! If you know us and have been to our house, you know that we try to maximize the space that we have by cramming as much into one room as possible.
Now, about this tragic story.
Last Wednesday night into Thursday, a Fraternity at a local college (my Alma Mater, as I said) held a party as part of the "pledging" process. As is expected at a college frat party, large quantities of alcohol were being consumed. A freshman, Gary D., who was pledging the fraternity, participated in the festivities. Gary consumed significantly more than his share of alcohol, passed out and was later taken to the hospital where he died the next day. I know of this only by reading it in the newspaper, so I have only the perspective provided by the reporters. I do not always trust what is written, but over all, the coverage of this event thus far seems o.k. According to quotes in the articles, Gary was not one to drink frequently or in large amounts. Unfortunately, this particular night was different. Gary did what was apparently expected of him in order to become part of a group (fraternity).
I do not mean to imply that Gary succumbed to peer pressure. I did not know Gary, but based on the quotes from those who did know him, he seems more the sort who would stand by his principles and do the right thing. Again, I did not know Gary.
What I do know, however, is that his story is one that should not be. It is also one that has been told before, and unfortunately one that will likely be told again with someone else as a main character. This is partly what makes it so tragic. I mean, it goes without saying that when a young person loses his or her life that a tragic event has occurred. The real tragedy here is that it is not a "freak accident". It is an avoidable event that finds away to repeat itself. In Gary's case, it seems that alcohol poisoning led to his death (this is an assumption, as autopsy/toxicology results, to my knowledge, have not been released). For other "young" people, it may be an alcohol related motor vehicle accident, or a drunken stunt gone wrong. (For those of you who know me, you know what I do for a living, and although I have not seen as much "devastation" as some, I have seen enough from both sides to know the pain and suffering that ensue.) Whatever the "reaction", the catalyst is often overuse of alcohol (or other drugs) and the result is all too often death or serious injury.
I mentioned in the beginning that Gary's story hit rather close to home. What makes it somewhat personal is that I attended the same school. I lived on campus, played two sports, was involved in many campus activities and am well aware of the fraternity that he was pledging. This is a relatively small school with a small campus. It has been 10 years since I graduated, and I still feel part of the "family". That is the beauty of the school. It is like a large, extended family.
The other reason that brings it close to home is that one of his Professors is someone whom I consider a very good friend. Prior to reading a news article this evening, I did not know that he was one of her students. As I was reading one article, she came very clearly into my awareness and I thought, "Wow, I think he was one of K's students." Before I could talk myself out of this thought, I glanced at the next article and right at the beginning was a quote from one of his professors - my Friend.
"Professor", I am not sure what the psychic connection is there, but it was interesting.
What is it that makes teenagers and early 20-somethings think that they are invincible? Clearly I was there once, but I just don't recall my thought processes at the time. (I'm a bad barometer, though - I was more of a "goody goody" - no drinking, no drugs - I can HONESTLY say that I didn't inhale. *wink*)
What does all of this have to do with my title, Tragedy and The Little Things?
Well, as I read the articles and glanced back at my blog, I thought about perspective and the little things in life. Today, as I bask in the glory of my newly arranged furniture, a family (immediate and extended) mourns the loss of a loved one.
Does this mean that I should not enjoy my new setup? That others who were touched by this story, or any other story of heartache should not find enjoyment in their daily lives?
Absolutely not.
What this means is that all of us should take time to appreciate what we have, appreciate those we love.
Express gratitude to those who love us and to those who help us along life's paths, as we lend a helping hand to those who need our love and guidance. Be patient and kind to one another and most importantly, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and friends.
