Feeling Helpless – But Not Hopeless

It was a helpless feeling that I had waking up Wednesday morning to the news that a gunman had opened fire on five people – mainly Republican legislators – while they were practicing for a charity softball game in Virginia. This was after I went to bed Tuesday night with pictures imprinted on my brain of London’s Grenfell Tower in flames. Twelve people died as of Wednesday afternoon, dozens more injured in a blaze that is expected to take more lives. One of the first thoughts that crossed my mind was terrorism – was this a terrorist attack? London has been hit so hard – the London Bridge attack earlier this month (was it really just last week?), the March Palace of Westminster attack and in Manchester the suicide bombing that claimed more than 22 lives – many (if not mainly) children.

The world right now feels chaotic, out of control. The weight of these losses, of these attacks, is heavy on my spirit – and I’m sure I’m not alone. I have found solace, though, in the young people I know.

In May, I think I shared with you that I attended a scholarship breakfast hosted by the Community Foundation of the Verdugos. This annual event shines a spotlight on several philanthropic organizations that award scholarships to local students. The various organizations have different criteria; the committee that I sit on is religious in nature, a faith-based fund that recognizes those who meet a certain grade point average, have been in residence in the Glendale area for at least 13 years, and can write an essay that demonstrates their love of country and God. Reading the essays of some of these students shows how amazing – and resilient – they are. Their stories are truly inspiring.

On Saturday, I attended another scholarship distribution luncheon. This was for the Lions Club and for Prom Plus. Of course I knew the Prom Plus recipients through their years of involvement with Prom Plus Club. One of the awardees was the recipient of the Bob Fletcher Scholarship, the first year we presented this gift in Bob’s name.

Many in our community know Bob Fletcher for his involvement with the CVHS football booster club, the Boy Scouts and, of course, Prom Plus. He oversaw our volunteers for years, making sure that every aspect of the all-night event was covered. He has a great sense of humor and a dedication to lend a hand. Last year Bob decided to step back from Prom Plus and just as he was handing the baton to a new volunteer coordinator, he was blindsided with health issues that he is still recovering from. But Bob fights on, reminding his friends of the power of perseverance and the strength that can be found in family and friends.

Finally, I am bolstered by the achievements of my beautiful young niece, my sister’s daughter. Though Madison had to grapple with the death of my sister – her mom – and also cope with a father who was ill-equipped to deal with the loss, she has risen above these challenges to graduate from high school this Friday with straight As.

So rather than being afraid to step outside my front door, I choose instead to look to those who run to their futures and who embrace their trials. They remind me that as long as there are those who run forward there is hope and that is what I will embrace.

  robin goldsworthy