Compassion Trumps Horror

In a small town, everything gets tied up.  My son's best friend, is also the brother of one of my daughter's best friends.  Their parents are our good friends, their mom is my running buddy and confidant,  their dad is the kids' tennis coach and guitar teacher, and also the County Attorney.  When our kids were ever in 'town' they stayed with the Scannells.  Those boys are my favorites.  There is some kind of bond we make with people who are  raising  our kids with us.  Lucky us.

On Thursday, our friend (that same County Attorney) completed a trial--- and was shot 3 times in the abdomen.

And when Tim got out of surgery, after he had time with his family, I got to hold his hand and look him in the eye.   You know, I didn't know the details of the trial.  Even though it's a small town, I really didn't know anything about the man who shot Tim.  I didn't even know that guy's name--or the details of his convictions, really.

I did know that the small town of Grand Marais now had it's own freaky shooting episode, and a man  tried to kill our dear friend. I was angry, I still am.   He nearly made a widow out my pal..  Some of my favorite boys nearly lost their father, and my own kids almost lost a special mentor.   So, as Tim was talking, continuously replaying the horror of the afternoon---I was searching for some way that he could rest his mind and sleep.   I said  "Tim, it's over, you can rest --the 'bad guy' is in custody."

And Tim looked at me so sadly and said "Sue, he's had a hard life.  You have know idea how hard his life has been."

I was sort of taken aback with the level of empathy I had just witnessed.    Here he was, just hours from being shot, and Tim’s gut reaction was to show compassion for the guy who wanted to murder him.  He wouldn’t let me get away with calling him the anonymous “bad guy.”

I was re-reminded what so many people in the county already  know---not only does Cook County have a very smart and competent County Attorney, but also  a very compassionate and ethical man in our midst.   

I can't tell you how thankful I am that I still have my friend.