Bless the Beasts & the Children

Dear John,

 

I cried this evening, and this time it had nothing to do with you. But it was so typical of me that I have to tell you about it.

 

I broke my News Moratorium tonight - I actually watched the local and national news. Don't ask me why. I needed some background television while I worked, and everything else was worse. It was a local news story that got me.

 

John, on July 4th some teenagers gave a puppy a lighted firecracker. Well, you know what I did - I started crying and grabbed the dog. I hugged and kissed him, and apologized for the behavior of my species. That's what I've always done when I heard about dog abuse, and I know you're not surprised. The national ASPCA got involved and charges have been filed, which is the good news. It doesn't help the poor puppy that they killed, but it may prevent injury to other creatures. It just breaks my heart.

 

Orthodox Monk

What is in the souls of people, that they could kill an innocent animal - and one that trusts them - for fun? Hunting I understand, and I've even had to put out a mouse trap or two. But somebody's puppy? I can't imagine what is inside people that could do that. Orthodox theology teaches us that the entire creation groans in travail - suffers for human sin. And that has broken both of our hearts, hasn't it? I remember when Caleb had cancer, how you'd cuddle and kiss him, and apologize that your sin was killing him - not directly in any way, but in the sense of your sin being a contributing part of the sin of all mankind.

 

I'm my grandfather Keistler's grandchild. Mama used to tell me how he'd cry his heart out every time he had to kill a chicken for food for his family. And if it talked to him on the way to the chopping block, he'd have to put it down and get another. And now, after it rains, I go on worm patrol and put them back in the grass before they get dry and die. I come by it honestly.

 

I'll probably cry my self to sleep tonight, for that poor dog, and every creature - human and otherwise - that has suffered at the hands of those who should have protected it. And I'll go back on my news moratorium - this is what I get for watching the news. God bless the beasts and the children.

 

Love you so, so much,

Joan.