Fwd: Gary Matson

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  • To: p*@nevco.k12.ca.us
  • Subject: Re: Gary Matson
  • From: M*@aol.com
  • Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1999 15:48:30 EDT
  • Full-name: Mclainakag
Paul and others-

It is true the relationship was not beyond a "virtual" contact and a mutual 
love for things that grow-----it is a sad day for ourselves and our country 
when such hatred can prevoke such behavior....often you have to wonder if the 
punishment our "law system" put forths is enough for the crime committed.

Our country is a "free" country for each one of us to hold on to own 
beliefs----just because there is one among us that doesn't agree with 
anothers belief is no reason to "hate" the other.  We don't have to always 
agree but we should always respect another for what they choose to have in 
their life.  I can't see that God were turn his back on a man who has offered 
and done so much for the community and the young ones around him....I can't, 
in my heart, believe that God could be so prejudice.

There is a poem that I had read sometime ago that reminds me of this man, it 
is as follows:

            HE'S JUST-AWAY by James Whitcomb Riley  1849-1916

I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. --He is just away!

   With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
    He has wandered into an unknown land,
        
        And left us dreaming how very fair
        It needs must be, since he lingers there.

And you--O you, who the wildest yearn
for the old-time step and the glad return,---

    Think of him faring on, as dear
     In the love of There as the love of Here;

        And loyal still, as he gave the blows
        Of his warrior-strength to his country's foes.---

Mild and gentle, as he was brave,---
When the sweetest love of his life he gave

    To simple things:---Where the violets grew
    Pure as the eyes they were likened to,

       The touches of his hands have strayed
       As reverently as his lips have prayed:

When the little brown thrush that harshly chirred
Was dear to him as the mocking-bird;

    And he pitied as much as a man in pain
    A writhing honey-bee wet with rain.

        Think of him still as the same, I say:
        He is not dead---he is just---away!



Maybe, like the poem refers, he was needed somewhere else----they needed his 
strength and his giving....maybe he's planting a new garden as we speak.

Although I didn't know this man - his story has moved me and saddened me.  
Today, I will think of him when picking through my garden and maybe I'll 
plant something new in my garden for this man today :o)

Kemberly McLain
Katy, Texas  Zone 9

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