Cheating has bad consequences
As I sat at this computer two days after the story broke, my blood seemed to boil and cause my blood pressure to rise; I am now more relaxed. Even still, I have the inner desire that I must transfer my thoughts onto paper not just for myself, but for anyone willing to listen.
I know in my heart that probably what I am about to say will not matter to most. But if there is even one person who is affected by my words, then the time and the effort will be worth it to me.
What I am talking about today is the release of the news on “Nightline” about former Sen. John Edwards’ extramarital affair.
As many people have said when news like this breaks, “He was not the first and won’t be the last. In his own words, describing himself as an egocentric and narcissistic person, I can’t agree with that more.
When someone genuinely loves someone they love with a selfless love, always putting that person’s best interest at heart. But today, when I read about just another selfish act, I think of the countless number of people who will be forever affected emotionally for one moment of illicit fun.
The people involved in this type of behavior have no idea how it has caused excruciating pain for the wounded spouse because of their lies, deceit, and betrayal to the person they had vowed to love, honor, and cherish till the day they died.
Too many people are seeking happiness today willing to risk everything that they believe in, their families and friends, their homes, their jobs, their careers, and most importantly, their souls.
When two people become involved in this poisonous web that they choose to enter, their lives will be forever changed.
Because of lust, manipulation, and no real responsibilities, they are living in a fantasy. But at some point they will realize how their choices have long-term consequences for them.
Yes, they may be forgiven, but they are never looked at the same again. So many people have lost respect for them. I myself could never live with the guilt of all that comes with these decisions to “cheat” on just not their spouse, but their children, extended family and friends.
The famous quote, “The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence” often times becomes true for these individuals. Many times, it is too late.
Often times, the couple is able to work through the infidelity and start anew. It will never be the same, but it actually could be better.
The whole purpose behind me writing this is for any readers to consider the consequences before they may make some foolish decision that they will regret for the rest of their lives. What starts off as something exciting and adventurous usually always ends with tragic results.
At the time, these individuals are blinded and are never thinking of lifelong consequences of their actions.
But personally speaking I want to live my life so that when my children remember me, they will think of integrity, kindness and fairness.
Families are being destroyed by this irresponsible behavior. Please think before you act. Don’t become a statistic that will haunt you for the rest of your life.
Take the high ground. Protect your family name and remember what is done in secret or in the dark will come to light and cause unneeded embarrassment – not only for you,, but most importantly, your innocent family members.
Patricia Kilgore
Keisterville
Decorate school buses, already
In several weeks the beauty of residing on Martha Street in Uniontown will again be enhanced as parents are seen walking their children to the corner of Derrick Avenue and Martha Street – a school bus stop – where their children will begin life’s journey in a safe and secure environment. An educative process that has assured the future of our country for 232 years.
The continual safety of our children has been hyped with the national media’s regular reports of the violent and irrational behavior in public and private K-12 education.
This collapse of civility has resonated in the home and hearts of family, friends and foes alike.
The result being parents fearful of sending their children to an unsafe environment and a child’s concern best illustrated by the 1st grader who after viewing a visual report of the mass shootings in Columbine, asked “Can this happen to me, mommy?”
Ask any mother and most will state that children would rather stay at home where they are safe, secure and comfortable. A child’s first day of school should be a happy and rewarding experience. That is not always the case.
The first thing a child sees is a large cell-like yellow and black conveyance – the school bus – not a very inviting sight. A large segment of the public is for improving the appearance and safety features of the school bus. It could well be the “spark” that eventually leads to a change of attitude.
Can we restore the beauty and eliminate the ugly forces? A good beginning would be to change the appearance of the bus, contractors’ obligations permitting. The bus should be an inviting place to begin a child’s school day.
Pictures of joyful, smiling students displayed on the sides of the bus, as if summoning other children into comfortable seats with seat belts, would be a responsible and refreshing start.
Political leaders will tell you that the cost of making such a correction would be exorbitant. Cost is usually a project killer; however, creative and alternate sources of financing should be explored.
We should plan and promote the involvement of the students to make them feel that they are part of a major effort to help each other, so that a bond of friendship exists between them and the teachers based upon mutual respect and trust.
Student involvement can result in a successful, enlightened project, here, there and everywhere.
We consider it a privilege to help children endure and to “lift a happy heart.”
Emil T. Beck
Stephany M. Beck
Uniontown