A year ago, Dr. William Petit had a thriving medical practice. He lived in a comfortable colonial house adorned with flower gardens in an upscale Connecticut suburb with his wife and two daughters admired for their charitable works.
Thus begins the article I read regarding this man who thought he had the world all figured out and everything going the way he wanted it in life. As I’ve said a hundred times, things can change in a heartbeat, can’t they?
Two men broke into this man’s house during the night. In search of money, the two previously convicted criminals severely beat Petit and his wife. Not finding what they wanted in the house, the criminals took Mrs. Petit to the ATM so she could withdrawal thousands of dollars for them. Then they strangled her.
Petit’s children, ages 17 and 11, were gagged and bound to their beds. The men were later charged with sexual assault but the article doesn’t tell which of the three females was raped – maybe they all were. In an effort to conceal their crime, the subjects started the house on fire as they left the scene. Petit, severely injured, made it out of the house but the two girls died of smoke inhalation before they could be rescued.
Now, one year later, Dr. Petit struggles daily with the events that tore his family away from him. Petit moved in with his parents and had what was left of the house torn down and carved a big heart into the lawn. His parents say he struggles every day to find a purpose to living a life that doesn’t include his family.
Petit works with the charities his wife and daughter were involved with to feel a connection with them and to keep busy. He tries to find solace with friends and frequents a therapist.
I feel like contacting this man to give him my sympathies. The attack at his home lasted hours…hours he had to witness the destruction of his family and endure physical abuse. Why? Because some criminals thought his house looked like a good one to rob.
Once again I feel I must lament on how life is so very fragile and we all must take stock of it every day. Not only how our lives are going, but how our lives are affecting others around us. Do we help or hinder? Do we uplift or tear down? Do we smile or frown? Are we quick to do what is right, or do we procrastinate?
I don’t know about everyone else but I would like my life to mean something and I think the only way that can happen is in service to others and our planet. Let us all say a prayer for those people who are hurting in this world and to give thanks for all that we have.
