Local tragedy, celebrity deaths, and a story of inspiration made the news this week.

Tuesday morning while going through the Vonore and Sweetwater police reports, it was discouraging to see the number of domestic violence reports. I don't know if it's because it's hot and people are cranky or because tensions are high because people are out of jobs and money, but it seems there are an awful lot of police reports about people are fighting. Some are couples, some are brothers and sisters, some are coworkers, some are friends or ex friends. Whether it's the heat or money or text messages sent to the wrong person, violence should not be the solution to the problem.

Later Tuesday afternoon we heard a report on the scanner that a grandfather had drown trying to save his grandson. A young cousin had witnessed the drownings. Can you imagine what that boy must think and what he sees every time he closes his eyes?

Celebrity deaths
Icon. Idol. The best entertainer ever. The king of pop.
These were some of the words used to describe Michael Jackson following his death Thursday. There is no doubt, Jackson's unusual lifestyle and physical transformation was the fodder of much tabloid writing. However, there's also no denying the man could sing and dance and influenced generations of entertainers. My parents listened to Jackson when he was the cute kid with the Jackson five. Years later, my sister and I were listening to the white-gloved, moon-walking wonder's solo hits.

His "Thriller" album broke all kinds of records and set the stage for future video productions. I never was much of a "Thriller" fan; maybe it was all the creepy dead people walking around.

By the end of the day, Jackson's death had overshadowed the story of "the fallen Angel." Farrah Fawcett, star of Charlie's Angels" also died Thursday. Growing up I thought Farrah was beautiful. Yes, I had the feathered hair. I even had a Farrah "Charlie's Angel" doll complete with a cool yellow jumpsuit and high heel boots (Remember it was the 70s). And when playing make believe, my sister and I would fuss over who got to be Jill (Farrah's character on "Charlie's Angels").

Inspiration for us all
And amongst all this sad news, the story of 9-year-old Hannah Lawson can inspire us all. Hannah was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was seven years old. The cancer is now in remission, but there is a 40 percent chance it could return. But that doesn't stop her from living each day and striving to help others. Even while battling her cancer and undergoing treatments, Hannah still showed great concern for others needing help - even those a world away in war-torn Iraq.

Hannah's story is a reminder that even if we are having a rotten day or when things are looking pretty bleak in our lives, there is always someone hurting more and needing help. Sometimes all it takes is taking the time to stop and ask how you can lend a hand. And, by doing that you will help make someone else's life better and make yours even richer.

mia.rhodarmer@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101