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A terrible tragedy strikes and one person reacts one way and another completely different. Is there a protocol for how a person is suppose to act during tragic events in our lives? Sure it might seem awful strange to many of us that a survivor can be in hysterical laughter after a fatal auto accident or is seemingly distant and moody over something as nonchalant as knocking over a coffee cup....but who wrote the rules for tragedy etiquette? I bring this up because of the story linked below and what parent would want to endure what this woman did, having her baby shot and killed in front of her? The defense for the man that has been convicted of this crime seemed to go to great lengths to prove the mother was somehow involved because she was “occasionally joking and laughing while being questioned by police and making other bizarre statements”. While many of us here at the ULC will limit our pastoral duties to officiating weddings, we might keep this in mind if called upon to render aid to folks during other events in their lives. As a pastor, priest, minister, vicar or vitki our calling may take us beyond simple officiant duties. I would hope that whether we are new to ministering or experienced, we remember that our duties could be for victims and/or survivors of any number of tragic events. It may seem very odd to us that a person acts in an unexpected manner to what or how we think they ought to be acting....but let us never forget....there is no set protocol for many of Life's emotional ups and downs. The last thing I've wanted while facing my emotional upheavals in life, is someone telling me how I'm suppose to be acting! I firmly believe that those of us who've had experience in certain situations should be helping our younger protégés Do That Which is Right. Any thoughts, ideas, questions? Blessings of Peace, http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20130830/US--Baby.In.Stroller.Slain/