The headlines from the weekend were varied.
There was the unbelievable – a mudslide taking out a Subway at the foot of Signal.
There was the predictable – here’s betting a Spike Lee-Donald Trump insult two-step was a Vegas favorite.
Jay GreesonAnd then there was the tragic story of the hit-and-run death of Chattanooga police officer Nicholas Galinger, a nightmare that has wrecked the lives of everyone involved.
As we wonder why, so often the magical and mystical tangents of grace make you remember that from the mouths of babes comes the truth. At least that’s how the saying goes. (And when my 8-year-old asked me “Why are your khakis so short?” in church Sunday, well, it was time to get new pants.)
So, yes, kids speak the truth.
They also can show us the way.
Our news partners WRCB shared a story on Sunday that made me proud. And made me realize that we can never do enough for those who sacrifice everything to keep us safe at home.
Zechariah Cartledge is my new hero.
Zechariah is a 10-year-old who plays video games and soccer and flag football. He also runs cross country, and that passion led him to a calling that should be something to which we all aspire.
The Winter Park, Fla., boy has pledged to run a mile for every first responder killed in the line of duty.
Sunday, he ran for Galinger, carrying his blue-and-white-striped flag through his tribute.
“The reason why I wanted to do it tonight is because I’m furious about this,” he posted on Facebook recently. “This war against police somehow is not [turning] to peace. It keeps going on. It needs to stop.”
It’s amazing to me that a police mistake can become headline news and the seedling for outrage and protest. A police nightmare too often leads to quiet tributes and a collective sigh from the public.
May Zechariah’s example prove to be a call to arms and a correction of direction.
In addition to paying tribute, Zechariah uses each run to try to raise money for the Tunnel to Towers fund, a foundation that he researched for an essay.
Zechariah wrote: “I have a big respect for our first responders and immediately decided to find out more about why this race was so important.”
The name he researched was Walwyn Stuart, a hero who died in 9/11 after saving more than a thousand lives as a Port Authority Officer in New York, and since Zechariah has run numerous races and even some 5Ks in his efforts.
Sadly, because of the nature of the job, it’s hopeless to pray that Zechariah never has to run another step to honor a fallen first responder.
But, because of his example, may we all find ways to honor those willing to sacrifice everything for the rest of us.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343.