The Innocence of a Small Town Lost

I don't remind all of you Wisconsinites very often that I'm a transplant from Illinois.  But, based on what my hometown area has been going through since Monday night, I felt the need to write about it.

I was born and raised in Lincoln, IL.  My Dad and Grandparents were from Beason, IL.  It's about 8 miles from Lincoln and has maybe 200 residents.  There is not a 'downtown', but when we were kids, there was a family owned grocery store.  As well as the Post Office and Grain Elevator.  We were free to play and run throughout the town.  It is literally only a few blocks in size.  All of the people that lived there knew who had company over and whose kids belonged to whom.  So, there were many eyes keeping track of us.

Nothing has changed in the last 50 years.  Until Monday afternoon.  I'm sure that you've heard about the murders in Beason, IL this week.  It's the only time the little town has ever made National Headlines.  Little did anyone know what would follow these past few days once the National media started to arrive.  In the past, you could walk down the middle of the streets and not have a car pass you.  Now, there are no kids playing kick the ball or drawing on the sidewalks with chalk.  Normal has a totally different definition now.  It will never go back to how it used to be.

After having talked with my relatives (some still live in Beason) as well as watching the National news and reading the local paper online, I must say that I'm very impressed with our Sheriff of Logan County, Illinois.  Brian and I went to school with him.  He's one of those guys that leaves his ego at home and tries to do what is right.  That was clearly evident this week, when he didn't hesitate to call in the State police and FBI to help with this case.  I saw people of all backgrounds gather together to do what was asked of them.  It didn't matter if you were a Republican, Democrat, old or young.  That's just how things are done down there. 

So, you may be asking, what is the purpose of this column tonight?  Just a thought, when was the last time you did something for someone without expecting anything in return?  When was the last time you called an old friend or far away relative to tell them that you miss and love them?  When was the last time you hugged your spouse or children and said 'I love you'?  Do it tonight.  You never know when your world will be forever changed and the moment lost to express how you feel.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Rick & Ruth Gee Family.  May 3 year old Tabitha come home from the hospital and into the loving arms of her extended family.  God help the person(s) that did this. 

http://www.lincolncourier.com/news/x2024001533/FBI-may-assist-with-probe

http://www.pantagraph.com/special-sections/news/beason-slayings/