Yesterday, it was also my pleasure to visit with students and teachers at Benton Elementary School in Neosho, Missouri. Benton is the site of last week's tragic accident that cost a kindergarten her life when she was struck by a car. The Joplin School District supported our neighbors in Neosho by providing lunch for the teachers and covering many of their extra duties on their first day back since Wednesday.
The folks at Benton have some time to recover from their loss. With flowers decorating the sign out front, painted rocks to commemorate the memory of their fallen teacher, and flowers and food continually being delivered to the front office, as well as strangers like us walking through the hallways, they must be constantly reminded of the parking lot tragedy. Our continued hope is that they reach the comfort they deserve. It may seem strange to claim privilege or pleasure at such times; I only say such because I relish the opportunity to serve. Maybe I'm not always the best conversationalist, and sometimes I don't know what to say in some given situation, I feel like more of us should step up to do difficult things in the name of helping our fellow man. | As today is the anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, this sentiment is fresh in our minds and hearts. Is it possible to pass on the desire to serve? The least we can do is try. |