Editor, OBSERVER
In his book "Losing Moses on the Thruway," author Chris Hedges states that the Ten Commandments are one of the earliest attempts to lay down rules and guidelines to the people. They were for the ancients, and are for us, and their rules, when honored, hold us together.
Sometime in the month of August, the Bailey family's burial grounds were dishonored when two floral tribute urns were stolen from the graves of their beloved mother, Mary Louise, and their youngest sister, Sherma Mae, at the Evergreen Cemetery near Hanover Center.
Such violations, which are always committed without warning, leave deep lifelong wounds. Sadly, we can't save ourselves from betrayal, envy, greed, or theft. In the world today, there's some kind of atmosphere and profound sadness that makes people commit crimes against others and against themselves.
The Baileys are sending Mr. Hedges' message to all perpetrators who steal from the living and the dead. When you ignore the commandments, you diminish the love and trust that people have in you. Only through trust can there be love, which is the single force that keeps us all connected and keeps us whole. When you live a life where the commandments are routinely dishonored, it becomes a life of solitude, guilt and remorse. Remember that God and the spirit of Mary Louise and Sherma Mae are watching you and are not pleased with you. Return the urns and return to the love and trust of the people in your life.
The commandments do not protect us from evil. They protect us from committing evil. They lead us to love, the essence of life.
LORRAINE BAILEY,
Sheridan
