FC LIFE March 2018

ATRIPTO PARKLAND

Continued from page 2

It is difficult for me to describe this field filled with people---all ages, colors, ethnic backgrounds and physical disabilities, without feeling again the pride I felt as I stood there. This was an enormous crowd, filling the space as far as the eye could see--and yet, there was a respect for the speakers as if they were in a small room with the rest of us having a quiet conversation. There was no pushing or shoving; there was no shouting or fighting; there were no loud outbursts of temper. Most of the people carried signs and banners expressing their wishes for the action they hoped would be taken to make a change in this violent world. Perhaps the most touching of all were the families with little children. Somehow there wasn't even the sound of babies crying. (Hard to believe; but true) The words on the signs said it all, "Never Again", "Gun Control Now", "Enough!" It was getting hot as the clock approached noon; but I didn't hear any complaints about discomfort. We listened and listened as those the closest to the tragedy at Parkland shared their feelings with us. We were told that the students would lead the March to the high school after the program ended. They came through on a sidewalk right near where we were standing; and we were able to fall in quickly behind them to make the trek. It did seem longer than two miles because of the slow pace; but we

got to the High School and were awed by the sight of the large red heart made of flowers sitting in the center of all the personal gifts left there on the grass. On our way back from the high school, we actually saw a group approaching----all wearing the orange t-shirts we could recognize as our friends and neighbors. We were so happy to find each other as we really were having some trouble finding the exact location of our waiting bus. Not to worry----our three fearless leaders found the right motorcycle policeman to ask for help--and he even arranged for the bus to come to our location to get us. That white bus was a welcome sight; and we were all there to cheer when the last four of our marchers were located and picked up. You would have thought we hadn't seen them for months--the greeting was genuine and gleeful. We had become a family on this day of emotion and conviction; and we weren't happy until we were a complete group! I've had a few days to reflect on the March 24 experience. I shall never forget it. I don't want to. I want to remember every second of that day and hope my grandchildren will never have to

listen to their peers speak of how they miss their dear friends who died in front of them. I feel grateful that I shared this day with so many terrific people. I didn't know some of them when we left that morning; but I now want to know all of them better. We have gratitude for those on the staff of Frenchman's Creek who cooperated and assisted with this voyage; and we have enduring love and appreciation for Cathy, Melanie and Esther. We couldn't have done it without them---and we're so glad we did it!!

Mickey Berman, whom we welcome as a guest correspondent

Page 3