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Is this really the most wonderful time of year?
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
So, just wondering... do any of you really consider this the most wonderful time of year?
It seems when we turn on our nightly news to see what’s going on in the world, this time of year there are more robberies, more deaths, more crimes, and more problems than throughout the other months.
Maybe it’s accentuated by a desperate need from those less fortunate to ensure their families are going to have a happy Christmas too, or maybe it’s simply drug addicts and robbers taking advantage of people stocking up for the holidays. Whatever it is, I am sick of hearing about all the crime and corruption at this time of year.
I left Edmonton almost six years ago, hoping to escape the grief and anger you feel every day on the street. But lately it seems even our small communities are at the brunt of the low-lives of our society.
My heart was torn out of my chest when I discovered a friend’s toddler had been murdered a couple of weeks ago. I will not go into huge detail, it is not my place or my will to do so. However; he is currently living the biggest hell a parent could ever dream of going through.
Just a short time before the holiday season, how do we make those living through ordeals like that feel better? It is impossible.
I preach continuously about my belief in capital punishment. Those who take lives (upon proof of guilt) should have their lives taken from them. But what does this really gain for society?
Yes, the murderer is off the street, out of existence, and can no longer harm anyone... but doesn’t it make the executioner just as guilty?
In Nova Scotia last week, a little boy disappeared from his home for two days. The seven-year-old child managed to stay alive for those two nights in the below-zero weather. After taken to hospital to be treated, the boy unfortunately passed.
Now I may not be the most religious person on the face of the planet, however I wish to believe that God or whatever higher power you believe in, has a need for these people in the after life. Their spirits are not meant for the petty, trivial lifestyles we lead, and thus they are taken from our world to lead a better life.
How do we escape all the tragedy that is seemingly around us all holiday season?
I surround myself with the people I love most, my parents, bonus-mom, sisters, nieces and nephews. Whether it via telephone or email, I make sure all my relatives get a lengthy “I love you”.
It is hard to ignore the fact that there is more crime this time of year. In Edmonton last year, CFRN (my news station of choice) had many stories about homes and vehicles being broken in to for gifts recently purchased.
Are these robbers using the hard-earned presents to buy drugs?
Our world just doesn’t seem right when a child has to go without in order for a thief to have a week’s fix of drugs.
What is the solution? Can any of us afford to have alarm systems protecting every square inch of our homes or land?
Luckily in our local communities the residents are more like family than neighbours. Even if you barely know the person down the street, in all likelihood they will monitor your property like their own. Even if the world may seem askew this holiday season, I am thankful for all the good in my life and in our community.
Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who make our community a happy place to be. A special thank you to Smoky River FCSS (Isabelle, Jean and Penny) for all the hard work they do for our community at Christmas and all year round.
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