Issue 168- "Thoughts"

Written, pencilled, inked by : Heath P. Lail

I went to see World Trade Center today in theatres, and it has got me thinking again...it is only in times of great distress are we truly tested for who we are. If someone is a total ass, would he/she die acting as such or would he see his great error and attempt to save a child's life, knowing their own was forfeit by this action? Or would a man/woman who had saved hundreds of lives over the years (lifeguard, police officer) run as a scared coward away from such devastation, as the cries of the innocent thunder behind them? It is in these times where our humanity is tried, and the true heroes stand tall in order to protect the weak and those unwilling to rise.

As I watched the movie, I was moved by the selfless acts performed by the rescue teams in saving even one life. Though the movie was scripted and Nic Cage was never in true danger, real men and women lived out that situation almost five years ago...the important thing is that we never forget those who sacrificed all so that others might live. For if we forget our humanity, then there is no reason left for living. I've my secrets, as do we all, but I like to think of myself as a moral man, one who values life above all else. That is why I entered Psychology...I want to help those whom others would simply seek to destroy as monsters or lock away in the darkest corners to be forgotten by the passage of time for horrible acts that happened years earlier. Though I agree that if I had a teenage daughter and a known felon who was incarcerated because of raping young girls wanted to stay at my house because of a natural disaster threatening his life, I would weigh the situation heavily before making the decision with my entire family. My point is that we must believe that even the undesirables in life have a chance to be redeemed, and there life is inherently worth trying to save, else we threaten to toss humanity and morality out the window. Though you don't know the intentions of the guy in the car behind you, we must not judge people on appearances...Lord knows most of my dates have been possible because of my rapier wit and outgoing personality, not necessarily because I'm an Adonis. Most girls look for the Adonis, but an Adonis with no moral compass is no greater a man than some kid with acne all over who couldn't lift a bag of groceries. I also learned another thing...

If you love someone, then tell them. Everyday. If it is your mother, fine. Tell her. Your single Dad trying to make it through each day as much as you and your siblings are? Tell him. If it is a lover or even an enemy, tell them. Leave no one out...leave no regrets if you should die in the next five seconds.  I know it will be inevitable, but I honestly don't want to have anyone in my lifetime think "I wonder if he loved me" as they lower my cold carcass into the dirt. And I definitely don't want to look down and say "look at so n so....I never knew he/she cared so much about me. I should have reciprocated those feelings." As someone who relys on good people skills for my chosen profession, it would be a blight on my reputation (no matter how small a blight) if there was someone out there who left my life unsatisfied with my treatment of them if it were due to a failing on my part. I understand that some people simply can not be happy and no matter what I did they would not like me, but I must do my best. As must we all. In closing...

I love everyone who reads this....with all my heart and passion. If you ever need for anything at all, do not hesitate to call and I will help you as best I can. May you all have a great night. We will talk again soon.

HPL