Let Goodness Win

This morning it is a struggle not to be overwhelmed with grief due to the horrible shootings from yesterday.  I cannot imagine anyone not being affected by it.  While trying to figure out the best ways to cope and not let it consume me (especially since it is my husband's birthday), I have come to a decision.  I simply will not let the evil and sadness take over...I will not let it win.  This isn't to say it will be easy or that I won't feel sadness for all of the families affected by the tragedy, but I will try to remember all the goodness going on around us and make that the focus.  A friend posted a picture of all the bags of gifts ready to be distributed to needy families in Canton from the Goodfellows on her facebook page, and it raised my spirits a bit.   That is when it hit me...this is good!!  Spread the good news around as well as the bad.  Remind everyone of all the positive and loving things people are doing this time of year.  If you are in despair, do something to help another person; it can be more helpful than any medicine.  I would love to see everyone around the country shift into high gear to be kind and giving to others as a tribute to those young lives lost yesterday.  Although you may not feel like it, smile at anyone you see.  Do random acts of kindness for neighbors and also strangers.  Anything positive we do is a step towards not letting evil win.   Let's post acts of goodness on our facebook pages and e-mails. There are so many people in our community that have worked hard to provide holiday activities during these next few weeks so make sure you attend them to show support.  There is a youth play in the Canton Village Theater this weekend.  The is a wonderful "Dickens Christmas" exhibit at the Plymouth Historical Museum.  Put a little extra in the Salvation Army red kettles and thank the bell ringers.  Buy a toy for "Toys For Tots".  Or, just take a family drive through the neighborhoods at night at look at all of the wonderful Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music on the radio.  

 I am not an expert on anything, or even a journalist. I am just a person who raised three children and now has two grandchildren, one in kindergarten.  Writing this blog was really for my benefit.  Sometimes when it seems things make no sense or are hopeless, hang on and just look around at the wonderful things surrounding us.