Thoughts while at the grocery store

Today I overheard a conversation between two women at the grocery store. They were discussing the recent - and terrific - bombings at the Boston Marathon... saying that the world has become worse off than every before, and that things are the worst they've ever been.

I pondered on that for a minute, and then mentioned to them that I'd rather live today then, say, during the Civil War, or the Revolutionary War, or in the 60's and 70's on an Indian reservation, or as an African American (and Indian) during most periods of American history. Or as a child during the time children were treated as chattel, or during the west when it really was wild.

I also said I'd rather live right here in Athens, Ohio than in the too-many war-torn countries littered across the world... where bombs and death are a daily sight. Or in places where children are kidnapped from their parents, or worst yet, killed for no real reason (or, sadly, so rich Americans can wear diamonds).

In some places, acts of terrorism are a daily occurrence - and it was even like that before here in the US.

Of course, these women looked at me oddly - I'm not too sure if I educated them, reminded them, upset them or interrupted their idea of the perfect American life. Needless to say, I didn't make a new friend today.

Yes, this is sad. Yes, it is terrible. Yes, it is scary. But no... it is NOT new. It is not new here in the United States, nor anywhere else in the world. There are crazy people with crazy ideas and crazy plans ... and it impacts us all.

I'm not making light of the situation but I am trying to put it into perspective. I'm not building a bunker anytime soon and awaiting the end of the world. I will, tho, continue to keep my television off and not allow these things into my world.

And I will also not stop me from living my life. If I happen to have an oppotunity to attend the Boston Marathon next year or any other year, I will. Why? Because life is too short to sit inside your house and play it safe. I'd rather die on a beautiful spring day while living than die an old women who did not live at all.

Just sayin...