Peace Out, Peeps!

I had the strangest experience at the grocery store the other day.

As I looked down and scanned the major headlines blitzed across the newspapers available for sale, I made what I thought was an innocuous remark to an elderly gentleman who happened to be standing beside me.

“There doesn’t seem to be much positive news in there today, does there?” I said, sad at the notion.

“What were you hoping for, that someone shot Trump?” he said, laughing.

“My gosh, no! I’d never wish that – on anyone!” I said. 

His remarks and demeanor bothered me more than I can accurately articulate. Frankly, I was rather appalled.
He continued to probe.

“Well, what news are you hoping to see?” he inquired.

“To be honest, I’d like to read news about peace. You know, for all of us. Everywhere.”

“Well, then, that’s what needs to happen to get it!” he gruffed.

Now, I like to think of myself as fairly versatile with vocabulary. You know, a bit savvy of speech, as it were. But this allegedly witty wordsmith had nothin’. 

I was so taken aback that I should’ve been emanating those truck warning beeps.

So, I just sort of stared at him with my mouth agape. And suddenly, I was filled with tremendous sadness. 

Deep, heavy sigh.

Admittedly, I tend to be a bit of a Pollyanna. I’m one of those annoying humans who just wants everyone to get along.

Sure, it’s a pipe dream. But I guess I’m just deeply hopeful of heart.

What can I say? I’m the sort of gal who likes happy endings, 

You know, like when E.T. goes back to his home planet in “E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial” or when Buttercup marries Wesley in “The Princess Bride” or when the Rebels defeat the Empire in the “Star Wars” anthology.

Okay, you get it.

Not only do I want to see the good guys win but, ideally, I’d wish there to be no bad guys at all. I suppose you’re starting to see how I earned my “Patty the Pollyanna” moniker.

Hmpf.

To quote John Lennon, “You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one.” 

As you likely well recall, he was quite the peace pursuer himself. 

Either way.

Since I believe so vehemently in the power of prayer and the concepts that: 1) good overpowers evil and 2) love is stronger than hate, I’ll end with the wise words contained within the Prayer of St. Francis:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

And on that note, peace out, Peeps -- figurately and literally, me hopes!

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