Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule. -B
We live in a society where we believe that with each evil action, the individual should be punished with an equal action of pain or suffering. For instance, if you take a life in some states, it acceptable to take that person’s life. We have come to believe that this will be a deterrant for others who are thinking of doing the same at some point in the future. We also believe that doing this will help “heal” the persons who were wronged by the act and allow them to have closure.
While I cannot fully understand the pain that a loss of human life can have on someone like a child, there are stories of family members who observe the death of the criminal and feel no better, or perhaps even worse.
I recall hearing the story once of a young man who killed a mother’s son in a drunk driving accident. She came to the sentencing hearing for the young man. She was able to speak before sentencing and spoke to the man who drove his car into her son’s. She calmly, but sternly said to him, “Someday I will Kill you!” Everyone in the courtroom, including the young man heard the pain and anger in the grieving mother.
The young man was sentenced to 5 years in prison. During his incarceration the mother came to visit him and started bringing little gifts – home made cookies, cigarettes, and books. When the young man’s sentence came to an end and he left the prison’s gates, waiting there was the mother. She asked him where he was planning to go and do now with his life. He simply shrugged. She said, “you will come and live with me and get a job in my town.”
About one year later the mother was sitting in the living room one night watching television with the man who had now maintained his job and was contributing to the expenses of the house. She said, “Remember when we were in the courthouse 6 years ago and I told you I was going to kill you?” He nodded. ”Well, I am happy to say that young man is dead.”
I aspire to be like this mother.
