News about upsetting incidents just has a way of grabbing and holding onto you. At first you find yourself just wanting to lash out with the hope that your response will validate what others are feeling. That release of deep-seated emotion can be counterproductive and does little for others caught up in the situation.

Still, you want to be heard. Don’t we all?

I’m exercising a great deal of discretion here as the story involved is an open case in a local judicial system. Other than sharing the basic details of the event, I will state, and with no exaggeration added, that this case has piqued the interest and support of so many, from coast-to-coast.

In short, it involves animal cruelty at its worst. At best, the incredible show of caring during the month of February for those involved has taught me a valuable lesson. I’ve witnessed a devastated family pull together and rise to a challenge for justice, along with thousands of complete strangers who have signed a petition and offered prayers through their tears.

This overwhelming demonstration of positivity actually restored my dwindling faith in humanity, given the horrific news that greets us each and every day. Of course, to some, people rallying for a cause like this might seem quite insignificant but, for the people involved, for anyone caught in any type of terrible situation, knowing that people honestly do care makes one hell of a difference.

If the month of February did anything for me (other than celebrating the birthday of one of my daughters) it helped me to bond together with people, stay silent when necessary, put a harness around my anger (which ain’t easy) and pray.

Justice will Prevail, Hearts will Heal.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Share something you learned in February.

As much as I wish I could expand further, I cannot. Not at this point in time. Maybe just a reminder, to be kind, always. To others, especially helpless, defenseless, animals.