This article came across my dad's Facebook feed and we had the chance to read it together. Obviously the headline instantly catches your eye, but while we were reading it I couldn't help feel some sort of connection to this Marine. Obviously, he is an American hero who came to the call of his country and gave up his legs in defense of it. He is a true hero that everyone should strive to be more like. However, where I found this connection was in that we are both wheelchair users, and ardent Dallas Cowboys fans. I could see myself, in my Dallas Cowboys jersey, where he was. I couldn't help thinking to myself that I had never experienced such raw hatred toward me. Why should he have to experience that? It was almost as if I felt he had already paid so much and, while this heinous and blatant hatred should never have happened, if someone had to experience it I would gladly have taken his place as a small token of my gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
I was reminded of how blessed I am to have been surrounded with nothing but love and acceptance my entire life. But I was also reminded that perhaps I am an exception and not the rule. There is no rhyme or reason for anyone to commit the vile act of hate toward anyone else, but it happens everyday. With that said, just because it's the way it has been doesn't mean it the way it has to be. We can change! If we seek out acceptance in our own life and openly and vocally denounce it wherever we see it, our society can change.
I encourage everyone - No, I plead with everyone to make a conscious effort to act with more humanity and refuse to be idle when you are witness to acts like the ones from this article.
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