So, what’s been your response to some of the negativity and regulations and election results over the past year? I think we’ve all had to respond in some way to the situations and circumstances we’ve faced. And maybe you’ve largely just ignored them, continuing to live as always. Maybe you diligently did what you were asked and complied to everything as well as you could. Maybe you’ve fought back, complaining on social media and to your friends and whoever would listen. Whatever you’ve done, all of us have responded in some way.

Since you’re reading this Argus, I imagine you’re one of those people who still tries to stay up with the news. I don’t mean that as a bad thing at all, but it seems more and more that the news is difficult to watch. It just seems like there is little good news in our world today. So, unfortunately, often I avoid keeping up on the news and rely on Facebook and word of mouth to get most of my news (which is always trustworthy, right?)

Imagine, if you will, that you get that phone call that is probably the worst nightmare of any parent. It’s the police and your son has been killed. Immediately, obviously, you’re filled with overwhelming grief, pain and agony. There’s probably a fair amount of disbelief and doubt. You tell yourself, ‘This must be a dream.’ A nightmare, really.
But then imagine that it’s not that your son was just killed, but brutally murdered. He was abused and violated before he was murdered. Now, along with all the pain and hurt you’re feeling, there is a huge weight of anger and even rage.

Anyone else just exhausted? I mean, I think I’m always a little exhausted in January, after all the Christmas celebrations and the New Year’s partying, but I think this year is worse. And hopefully you’re not there and you’re moving into 2021 with joy and hope, but I think a lot of my expectations that we would put 2020 behind us aren’t being realized. It’s enough to make a grown man curl up in the fetal position until spring...some men anyway.