Another Remembrance (Philando Castile)...

 

On this somber day, September 11^th, like a lot of people out there, my heart was already heavy, thinking about the anniversary.  Phrases like “Remembering those lost” and “Never Forget” permeate this difficult day.

But there is also another remembrance I wish to focus on Philando Castile.

 

It is not to diminish 9/11. Rather, it is to call the still needed attention to someone who has been lost and should not be forgotten.

This morning, my husband and I went to the much-visited site of where he lost his life in the Falcon Heights area of the Twin Cities. It, also, was somber, eerily quiet. There were flowers and memory displays spread throughout the site.

And, yes, they stated the importance of “never forgetting.”

“Never forgetting...”

Those words trouble me, especially within the context of our nation and the passing of time.

He lost his life this past July.

And, as things do in this violent world, the news, inevitably, moved on to the next, latest, “if it bleeds, it leads” story. To my knowledge, there has still not been any satisfying resolution or justice. We are reminded of our longstanding issues of inequity and prejudice. More people lose their lives. More instances of atrocities being captured by witnesses, including Facebook livestreaming, Youtube or camera phones. It still happens.

Occasionally now, in Minnesota, there is the mention of Philando Castile. The rundown is recounted in its gory detail.

The site is filmed where he was killed; his car was pulled over for a broken taillight. And things went horribly wrong from that point, all graphically captured by his beloved. She was in a most helpless position, watching the man she loved die next to her.

And we remember.

Visiting the memorial, however, I still couldn’t help but feel we also forget.

But his loved ones don’t can’t. We move on, but his world is forever altered.

Perhaps, this is self-indulgent. Perhaps, I truly should focus only on 9/11. That was horrific, unjust, painful and traumatizing also.

Yet, the reality of sorrow needs its acknowledgment whenever it presents itself.

And, personally, don’t we, as individuals, have our share of trauma moments, brutally etched in our minds, on both the poignant days of missed birthdays and holidays, as well as those “out of seemingly nowhere” moments in life?

Today, I’m remembering, desiring peaceful, comfort and resolution to those lost.

And that’s an important thing to remember concerning Philando Castile.

Even though he did not pass on 9/11, nevertheless, he is still lost. There is still the heartbreaking absence.

So, to that, scripture hopefully, can comfort...

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

John 14:18

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...”

Deuteronomy 33:27

“’For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds,’ saith the LORD...”

Jeremiah 30:17

 

Hopefully, hopefully...

Copyright © 2016 by Sheryle Cruse