The Never-ending Story

I saw one of my former students on CNN last night. 

Not for a good reason.

For about five seconds, I watched as Chris Pietsch quickly arranged electronic equipment on a set for a news conference in Oregon.

Chris was there in Roseburg because he's a photojournalist from a few miles up the road near Eugene.

After he exited the set, I sent him a text. 

"I just saw you tonight on CNN, moving equipment," I wrote.

"How did I look?" he texted back later in the evening.

"You didn't trip," I responded this morning, knowing Chris would appreciate a dose of the gentle teasing I've inflicted on him over the years.  

He used to trip a lot, but Chris knows I'm very proud of him. 

This talented, award-winning photographer probably needed some light humor after the day he had spent snapping photos of the aftermath of yet another horrific event at yet another school setting. 

Some of his photos even appeared on CNN. 

I'm sure Chris wishes those photos had featured very different content, like maybe an Oregon Duck making a dramatic football play or the triumphant face of a world-class track star setting another speed record at the University of Oregon track in Eugene.

Nevertheless, it's his job to capture images of the good, the bad and the ugly that occurs every day in the world around Eugene. 

Yesterday was an ugly day in Roseburg. 

The images snapped by Chris and other professionals were heart-breaking and sadly so redundant. 

We're getting all too familiar with "the drill."  

Disturbed, often deranged shooter appears on campus, killing and maiming as many as possible.  Ends up dead, either by suicide or by cop. 

Lives of those left behind change forever, beginning with uncontrollable emotions. We see hugging and candlelight ceremonies.  

Almost immediately come those same questions . . . first, who; then why?  

Media converges in and around the scene, trying to uncover every thread of information to answer the second question.  

Personal stories about the hopeful, happy lives of victims emerge in the aftermath.

Public reacts.  

Ongoing, divisive debate over gun regulations and gun rights resurfaces, along with talk of better accessibility of treatment for mental illness.  

Story dies down 'til next time and next place. 

What a rotten story line!  

Too bad we can't find the right editors to take this story and significantly alter the plot. 

I think those who know the story all too well would like very much to see the plot twist toward a completely different ending where innocent people going about their lives could continue going about their lives and the needy, troubled souls who think killing others and themselves could find the appropriate help before resorting to such desperate acts. 

So sad.  So senseless.  Time for a change in narrative so my friend Chris can stick to taking photos of the good stuff and not the ugly.