It’s hard not to see that there’s a lot of bad out there.
People are suffering. Maybe in trouble. Maybe it’s just bad luck. It could be the deluge of shocking and disturbing things we see on the news, in the newspapers or on social media.
It seems to be everywhere.
We recently reported some very sad news, including the death of a woman and two small children in a Topeka house fire. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Kyle J. Tyler, 32, of Holton, was arrested in connection with the fire and charged with four counts of aggravated assault, three counts of first-degree murder in the commission one felony and two counts of aggravated assault child endangerment.
Additionally, the Capital-Journal reports that Raymond Tilton is mourning the loss of his 16-month-old son Jackson Tilton, who died Jan. 8, four days after being hospitalized with severe brain injuries, according to his father. Dustin J. Kelley Sr. was arrested later and faces charges including first-degree murder linked to Jackson’s death. Kelley was the boyfriend of Sarah Snipes, Jackson’s mother.
We heard about the deadly gun violence over the weekend in California.
These stories are heartbreaking. We don’t want to read them, but we have an obligation to talk about them.
For those of you who may be struggling, we want you to know that you are seen and loved. There are people who can and will help you. Such resources are especially available for victims of domestic violence.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that after Topeka witnessed four recent domestic homicide deaths, Mayor Mike Padilla on Tuesday encouraged anyone who sees couples and families struggling with domestic problems to let them know that help is available.
“We are asking the community – when they have that chance, when they see someone struggling – to give them that opportunity, because there are a number of organizations that are working together to try and address these issues,” he said.
Potential sources of help for those experiencing domestic issues include the Northeast Kansas YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment hotline at 888-822-2983 and the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Get help. Please get treated.
Violence is never the answer. Be kind to each other. Help each other if you can.
Stay safe, readers, and if you see anything, ask, “How can I help?”
