human spirit – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

I couldn’t complete my tour of Dallas without mentioning the JFK Assassination. 50 years ago on a day much like the day I took the photos, JFK was assassinated while riding through downtown Dallas in a motorcade. Despite all the conspiracies surrounding this episode in US history and while I was not alive when it happened, I image the feeling on that morning was similar to other tragic mornings such as the Challenger explosion, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. All these episodes tested the human spirit, but it says more about us as when you look at how we respond to such tragedies.

“Captain, I’ve been researching them for several weeks now and I am a bit confused.” He needed more direction. These findings couldn’t be right. He suspected the assignment was meant to broaden his mind and make him understand something, but even after all his research he was still confused. What lessons was he supposed to learn from the seemingly primitive society?

“Lieutenant, what seems to be your issue?” Captain wasn’t surprised by my confusion.

“Time and time again, in their history, every positive and productive episode would be cut short by a moment of tragedy. Is this meant to test their spirit?”

“Well, how do they respond?”

“They endure.” But, endure didn’t quite explain it, “Not just endure, they are are continually hopeful. How could that be?

“Son,” Captain said. “What’s the alternative?”

Then it hit him. While it may be easier to give up and give in, it takes a stronger spirit to endure. That truly was the human spirit.

Captain smiled seeing the recognition on the young man’s face, “We can learn much from them, don’t you think?”

Lieutenant smiled and nodded. “Yes Sir, we can.”