We wish that we could have sat on our back deck with George Floyd and the policemen who caused his tragic death. This may sound strange. Yet, we know the healing power of nature. We wish that they and all could experience the peacefulness of the trees, grasses, flowers and blue skies.
This brutal act of George Floyd’s and others’ deaths have appalled us. We extend our thoughts and compassion to Floyd’s family and all people and their families and friends who have been the victims of overt and subtle racism. We are all people and everyone deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and decency.
We believe that being in nature soothes the soul, calms emotions, and stimulates curiosity. It blunts the edge of aggression and hate. In this time of both disease and racial challenges, we invite everyone to find a place of quiet natural beauty, absorb its calming embrace, and emerge with a dedication to make ours a fair and just world for all.
It breaks my heart when I observe such abject cruelty. I am so proud of all the citizens of every color and culture marching to loudly say “enough is enough.” I remember the horrible events when I was a child living in Florida. I’ve never forgotten them. I still see them in my memory. I pray that good will come from all of this. I observe it happening here in Virginia even just over the past week. Let’s hope we can keep it going forward.
Thank you, Jackie.
Thank you.