Tragedies at Christmas

I enjoyed this Christmas. Simple. Emotional. Sentimental.

 

I find it easy to be thankful for being fortunate in America, even though this economic time is difficult.

 

For, in contrast, the violence in the world does not recognize Christmas:

 

34,000 of the world’s children, under the age of five, died on Christmas Day, as do 34,000 every day, from disease and malnutrition.

 

Shame about the little children Santa missed

More than 60 rockets and mortar shells were fired at southern Israel by the afternoon, …..The strikes caused extensive damage and widespread panic among the residents ….

Gaza Rocket Fire Intensifies

YEVPATORIA, Ukraine (Reuters) – A suspected gas explosion devastated a five-story apartment building in southern Ukraine, killing 22 people and leaving more than 20 still unaccounted for, officials said Thursday.

Blast at Ukraine Apartments Kills 19

 

And fate – and the violence within some souls do not recognize Christmas:

 

COVINA, Calif. (AP) — Stinging from an acrimonious divorce, a man plotting revenge against his ex-wife dressed up like Santa, went to his former in-laws’ Christmas Eve party and slaughtered at least six people before killing himself hours later.

 

Man in a Santa Suit Kills at Least 6 at a Party

 

Speed and alcohol have been linked to a fatal Christmas Day crash in Waikato and police say the use of a seatbelt may have averted the tragedy. David James Hill, 23, died only a minute into Christmas Day when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a bank …..

 

Fatal Christmas crash ‘totally avoidable’

 

And a young child dies when sledding.

 

Coquitlam girl, 4, killed when sled collides with truck

 

So for those blessings which life provides me, and those close to me, I am thankful.

 

Michael D’Angelo