Wakefield

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  “In some old magazine or newspaper I recollect a story, told as truth, of a man—let us call him Wakefield—who absented himself for a long time from his wife. The fact, thus abstractedly stated, is not very uncommon, nor, without a proper distinction of circumstances, to be condemned either as naughty or nonsensical. Howbeit, this, though far from the most aggravated, is perhaps the strangest instance on record of marital delinquency, and, moreover, as remarkable a freak as may be found in the whole list of human oddities. The wedded couple lived in London. The man, under pretense of going a journey, took lodgings in the next street to his own house, and there, unheard of by his wife or friends and without the shadow of a reason for such self-banishment, dwelt upward of twenty years. During that period he beheld his home every day, and frequently the forlorn Mrs. Wakefield. And after so great a gap in his matrimonial felicity—when his death was reckoned certain, his estate settled...

Peace For The Marathon Boy

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Today was the Boston Marathon. Congratulations to the winner.

But do you remember Martin? He was 8 years old when he died at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013 when two bombs exploded. Martin was one of three who died that day. 264 others were injured.

A marathon is a long race and it is said that the first "marathon" was run by a Greek soldier who ran to Athens with the news that Greeks had defeated the Persians at The Battle Of Marathon. It was a race to bring good news. An "evangelion," that is, "good news," of sorts.

In the video below you'll note that Martin had a message. There's a picture of Martin holding a blue sign that says, "No more hurting people. Peace." Martin believed in peace and he seemed to be vocal about it. That's about all I know about Martin, that he stood for peace.

There's a personal thought here though: I'm a father and a grandfather with thoughts and feelings that only a father can have for his children. The kinds of things that Martin's father must have had for his son. There are so many ways a father can lose a child, a son or daughter--and losing a child hurts. Especially when children make choices that are not the best. When a child chooses to make better choices, then a father's heart races. But you know what? I'll always love my sons and daughters, no matter what. Even to my own hurt. I pray peace on my kids.

One of my favorite bands recorded this beautiful piece in memory of Martin, The Marathon Boy. I hope his message of peace resonates with you as you listen.

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