Propelling up Interstates 20 & 59 today, anticipating another great visit with #1 grandson, my daughter, I-phone in hand, spoke up from the back seat: there has been a huge plane crash in San Francisco. Equipped with satellite radio, I quickly found CNN and Fox on the dial and listened to the details unfold about this tragic event. At that time the casualties were not well defined and I understand tonight that the dead are numbered at 2, with dozens injured and 1 missing. How tragic is this event. And I know if you are reading this blog you will join me in prayers for all affected including nervous family members and countless 1st responders who put themselves in service to the injured.
Not more than an hour or so, as we approached I-85 in Atlanta the traffic, on a Saturday, came to a screeching halt. A quick turn of the dial to the local Atlanta weather and traffic station indicated that 2 pretty serious accidents occurred. The result for many travelers like me and my family was massive traffic jams that took us a little over an hour to navigate that normally would take just 10 minutes. Yes, I experienced frustration and even some anxiety as this was surely messing with my plans. With the news of the airline disaster still fresh, it dawned on me that perhaps many peoples lives were rocked by these auto accidents. Maybe these car accidents make the local news, maybe not. But it dawned on me that tragedy can occur anytime/anywhere. And most of it occurs without us even knowing about it, unless we are connected to the victims.
You know one hour past Atlanta it happened again; another accident. This one we could see, a SUV or cross-over flipped on it's top, completely upside-down. The wreckage looked horrible and there were many 1st responders on the scene. Again, prayers for all involved.
Years ago I remember hearing prayers in the intentions of the Mass for those who would die this very day in accidents or other unexpected ways. I heard this prayer again when I visit the prison I minister at back home in Louisiana. One inmate, an elderly and sick fella who is confined to a wheelchair, prays this very prayer every week I visit. Maybe it's a good prayer for all of us to offer everyday.
Tragedy, once the immediacy is over, can rip and ruin the lives of loved ones and friends or it can serve as a catalyst to come together, heal old wounds, even "get right" with God. Those impacted by tragic circumstances always need love and understanding, space, the gift of presence, and our prayers. Tonight, we offer this for the victims in San Francisco, and all others, known and unknown.
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