What we see in a picture

Can I look at a picture and see one thing while someone else looks at the same photo and sees something quite different? I guess that's the case.

Most people who know me would say I'm a sensitive person. I don't set out to hurt others although I'm sure I have many times in my life. Haven't we all?

When the young man was killed while driving the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission truck it became a public event because it involved a state-taxpayer-supported vehicle. Contrary to rumors, a reporter did not arrive on scene minutes after it happened -- more like 45 minutes or so. When I chose the photo that was published, I did so because I thought the picture showing a large number of people at the scene might someday be a comfort to that family -- knowing that many, many people cared and attempted to help their son. That was the only reason for choosing it -- period.

In the past, I have had family members of people killed in automobile accidents come to the newspaper and ask if they could get copies of the pictures a reporter had taken at the scene. I've never thought of that request as strange -- that tragedy was part of that person's life and someone wanted to save every part of their existence.

I have three sons and through their growing-up years they all have been involved in some kind of auto accident. Each time they were, I wanted to see the vehicle after the wreck and I took a photo of it which I saved. I also had to go to the place the wreck occurred to visualize what had happened. My youngest son was injured in a National Guard accident when an APC threw a track and flipped over. He ended up at St. Bernard's Hospital and the wreck was shown on the television and in full-color on the front page of the local paper. I saved the newspaper.

Granted, I have not lost a son to a tragedy and I don't know if I would be strong enough to survive that type of pain. I hope I never have to find out.

I know that the recent kidnapping of the little boy in Mountain Home really got to me. I have young grandchildren and the thought of someone being able to walk in someplace and take them away is frightening. I think I'm correct is saying that most of the daycare centers in the area, along with the schools, have a strict procedure they follow to prevent this type of thing from happening ... but I think the daycare where this happen thought their procedure would prevent it also. I guess nothing is full-proof.