It is hard to see what is not there, at least until you look for it.
Yesterday, I opened a small jewelry box in my bedroom to retrieve a ring to match my red outfit. But, the ruby ring was gone.
Staring at the velvet rows hugging a handful of rings, more of what wasn’t there came into focus.
A favorite gold and five-stone pyramid garnet ring purchased in 2001 was missing.
Even more alarming, a family heirloom gold ring - inherited 50 years ago - was gone. The ring has butterflies carved on each side of a black glass stone that is adorned with a carved bird - that inset with tiny bits of colored glass.
Later that day, I realized a rectangular silver pendant scrolled in flowery style with the faces of four females was gone; it a treasured gift received in the 1980s, representing the four sisters in my family.
Two weeks ago, when we had returned home from a trip, it was apparent our flat screen TV was missing from the living room. Police opened a criminal case about it. Today, we added documents about the missing jewelry.
More bad news in between: Unpacking a few days after we had filed the TV theft, we also saw that a credit card hidden in a dresser was gone. Fraudulent purchases on it were accomplished with a physical card. The police opened another case. We requested credit reports to see if any other tampering with our finances was underway.
We learned a suspected drug addict unlawfully gained access to our key and invaded our home, likely - given the size of that TV - with another thief.
Heartache awaited the family of the addict who was arrested; plus shock, guilt, fear and shame. We would not wish these feelings on anyone. Yet, despite a new lock, we fear a return of the unknown second thief, and we want our possessions back.
* * *
Watching the presidential election results, I experienced a similar sinking feeling of loss. What to make of the sweeping aside of social values that I prize, such as equality, respect for the dignity of human beings, stewardship of the planet and cooperative efforts for world peace?
Dread follows reports of hate crimes. Empowered Republicans plan to gut social nets - from the Affordable Care Act to Medicare and beyond - that will make a difference in individual lives when they need the programs. We will come to see what is missing of our nation’s treasures well into the future - a little at a time.
Can you see what you are looking at in the news? The assault on civility and promised loss of civil rights accepted by 50 million Americans who voted for the president elect - this as the price to pay for gaining power? Months of fake news on Facebook succeeded in misinforming friends? Attacks on freedom of the press applauded? Potty language accepted political fare? A hate-radio government waiting in the wings?
For now, two of the bumper stickers on the pickup truck idling in front of me come into focus: A sickening “Lock her up” and malevolent “Drain the swamp.” For now, I can’t bear to see anymore.
by Reggie Morrisey
Before Our Loss