Speakout 3/23

Sunday, March 23, 2003

It is difficult to describe how one feels when their mother has been diagnosed with acute leukemia. Such was my situation just before Christmas 2002. I had no idea what our road ahead would bring, but I knew I would be right there with her every step of the way. News of the prognosis was difficult to comprehend, yet together with the Lord's help, we fought the good fight. Three weeks ago, the time arrived when she had to be admitted to the hospital. Mom and I had talked at length about her illness and we put everything completely into the Lord's hands. The only thing we knew for certain was Mom needed to be comfortable and without pain. The Lord kept his hand on us as she was placed in a private room on 3F at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Words cannot express the outpouring of care she received while there. The nurses, doctors and staff were caring, compassionate, understanding and willing to help in any way. Any time I had a question or Mom needed something, they were right there to assist. Mom's last days were spent on 3F and I feel it only appropriate to say thank you from the depths of my heart for everyone helping my family and me through those days. In many ways, a mere thank you does not seem enough to express my gratitude. Everyone was truly wonderful. Mom is in heaven now and has been reunited with Dad, yet I know they are looking down with gratefulness to the medical staff on 3F for all they have done. May God continue to bless those wonderful people as they care for others on 3F.

"Shock and Awe?" Since over half of Baghdad's population are children 15 years old and under, these are apt words to describe the reactions upon their young faces when thousands of our missiles rain down upon them. "Shock and Awe" indeed. Shortly thereafter will come "horror and disbelieve" as they experience for themselves being burned alive, or having their appendages torn from them. Next up, "excruciating and prolonged," mild terms to describe the unimaginable pain that survivors' burned and dismembered bodies will feel. "Censored and sanitized" describes the way the Pentagon, and our corporately "leashed and neutered" mass media will pass along images and accounts of the carnage. "Fraudulent and discredited" accurately portray our President's ever-changing laundry list of reasons for our attack upon this weak and impoverished nation. "Unprovoked and illegal" are the terms that war crime tribunals use to describe wars that are not waged in response to direct attack, and that go unsanctioned and opposed by United Nations majority. "Hidden and safe" are where the puppet masters who engineered this slaughter will be, while the innocent children of Baghdad are dying in "shock and awe."

"Naive and uninformed" would appropriately describe your rantings. "Murder and mayhem" would accurately describe the regime under which thousands have been innocently killed in Iraq. It's wonderful we live in a nation where you can freely express your opinion regardless of how utterly ridiculous it may be. You have proven our freedom does indeed exist and you have also proven the tragic lack of common sense you possess.

Personally, I think it is wonderful when motorists pull off to the side of the street or highway when meeting a funeral procession. This is about the only way they can show their respect to the deceased and his family. Today, however, I noticed the local traffic cop didn't even get out of his squad car while holding back traffic in order for the funeral to pass. On a beautiful day like today (March 12), wouldn't that be the least he could have done? We can do better, Sikeston.

I totally agree with the person who talked about the gentleman who is accused of having a chop shop. He can't be guilty because he spends all day in the coffee shop with the Miner police, Highway Patrol and Scott County police. When would he have time to do something like that?

Who is "Harry," the man running for mayor of Sikeston?

Harry Sharp.