A strange thing happened

One of our most controversial politicians was killed in a car accident in the wee hours of the morning yesterday. It was really strange. I saw it first thing in the morning when I turned on my computer, where I always have the latest news. My husband had just left on an overnight excursion. I wanted to call him and tell him, but I didn’t. I thought: Why am I so touched that someone I couldn’t stand got killed? My husband would think I’m nuts.

That evening I went to a wedding. It was a very special event. The bride is nearly 40 and just had her first baby a few months ago. They are truly a wonderful and blessed couple, and during dinner — in between the soup and the main dish — they took a break to thank everyone personally. It was a small gathering. They only invited those that they really wanted to have around them. Nevertheless, it took about an hour for them to address everyone. It was touching, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Afterwards we talked about how/why we get so emotional. Eventually the politician’s death came up. Most everyone had reacted the same way. We didn’t care for his politics at all, but he had been very charismatic and definitely stirred up our national politics. He was quite a character.

He had a wife and grown children, and they were supposed to celebrate his mother’s 90th birthday later in the day. He was only 58 years old. Life is strange, and other’s people’s personal tragedies always touch me deeply. Sometimes we forget that politicians and others in the spotlight are regular mortals just doing their thing like the rest of us. They just get more attention. Thus such an accident comes as a shock.

I’m sorry we lost him. I’m sorry for his family. I’ll miss complaining about what he says and does. I’ll miss being able to simultaneously comment and criticize his TV interviews. Life is full of surprises, both happy and tragic. Why do I keep forgetting that? Or do I just try to forget it? Life reminds me often enough!