This Thanksgiving, I planned to write the obligatory “why I’m thankful” post, but given recent events I thought I’d alter my list a bit.

First of all, I’d like to say that my heart aches for every single person in Ferguson, Missouri right now — family and friends suffering from the loss of Michael Brown, people scared for their lives because of the riots that have broken out, business owners suffering from the loss of their buildings after arsons and vandalism, and even the people who are participating in these violent protests.

You might ask why I would feel sorrow for people who are causing such destruction and hurting so many people. My answer is simple: I can only assume that these people are experiencing such pain that they are reacting in anger, or perhaps out of fear of a similar act happening to them.

It saddens me that these people resort to aggression and committing heinous crimes in order to show their emotion, and that they are unsure how else to react. It truly breaks my heart to see that in a world where history has repeatedly taught us that we catch more flies with honey than vinegar, many people still believe violence is the appropriate reaction to a disagreement, and that these acts are going to somehow gain a positive result.

Despite my feelings of sadness for the people of Ferguson, there are still some things I’m thankful for in this situation.

I am thankful that peaceful protesters live in a country where they are permitted to express their frustration and disagreement with a verdict, so long as no harm is done.

I’m thankful for the outpouring of support for both sides of this situation, and the people who are able to express their concerns in positive ways that make a difference, like starting projects to raise money for video cameras for every police officer to wear on their uniforms.

I’m thankful for the courage of the police officers and fire fighters in Ferguson and surrounding areas who are risking their lives to protect the civilians who live and work there.

I’m thankful that we live in a country where decisions like these are decided by the people instead of the government.

Mostly, I am thankful for the family of Michael Brown, who, despite their unimaginable suffering, have spoken out and asked that protesters supporting their son remain peaceful. They have requested that people feeling anger toward the decision redirect their feelings to a positive reaction that will prevent future instances like this from happening.

If the Brown family can realize that fighting fire with fire is no way to extinguish the pain, I hope all of the people in Ferguson can do the same.

 

Ambrosia Neldon is the managing editor at Leader Publications in Niles. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.