Tactical Execution

The story coming out of Austria this week is so disgusting that it boarders the unimaginable.  I have been consumed by it since the story broke on Sunday morning.  Since then, I have watched dozens of videos and read articles from across the globe.  And I am completely beside myself.

I won’t recount the entire story here because I’m quite sure you are already familiar with many of the details.  My purpose here is voice my complete and utter disgust and disbelief that such an incredibly cruel situation is even possible.  How can a human being do such a thing – or such a series of things?  It redefines my definition of what’s possible and makes me wonder who else is in perpetrating such horrific crimes in our midst.

But beyond that, my heart is broken for this poor woman, Elisabeth Fritzl, age 42, who has had her life destroyed by her own father, not to mention the 3 children who lived with her in her underground and soundproof dungeon.  I can’t imagine that any of these 4 precious souls will ever be able to lead a normal life.  It’s not possible.

I look at myself and even I carry baggage from my childhood.  Don’t get me wrong.  My childhood was perfect by comparison.  Indeed, some would say it was privileged.  My point is that we all have baggage we carry around with us from our upbringing.  Even with good healthy parenting, children are usually left with unresolved frustrations.

For Elisabeth Fritzl and her children, the amount of baggage they’ll be saddled with for the rest of their lives would be more than I could bare.  Although I’m not an active person from a religious perspective, my prayers are truly with them as they redefine their new lives outside the walls of their soundproof cellar.  Whatever higher power may be presiding over the events here on Earth, please help this family rebuild from this unbelievable tragedy.

And that brings me to the reason behind this page.  Similar to many of you, I feel helpless and powerless as the details of this story become known.  I hate that feeling.  So, with your help, I would like to raise money to help this family – and the children in particular – to regain the rest of their lives.  Every penny collected will be sent on to the family in Austria.

The family can spend the money any way they wish.  Clothing, school, therapy – I don’t care.  I just want a way to make a small contribution to their cause.  I want a way to come to terms with the emotions I’m feeling, and perhaps this effort will help me feel like I’ve done my small part to help a family that needs our help more than anyone else I can imagine.

This effort will be completely transparent.  I will post the total amount of donations as they accumulate and will post a specific date when the funds will be forwarded on to the family.  I will pay for the pay-per-click advertising myself and will keep nothing.  100% of your donation will go to the family.

I have included a DONATE button below.  It is connected to my PayPal account and that is where the funds will accumulate.  Please also contribute by sharing this page with your friends and colleagues.  For you bloggers out there, I leave this effort in your hands.  Help me spread the word so we can make a real contribution to this family.

Lastly, please take a minute and post a comment at the bottom of this page.  Include links to articles or videos.  Include your thoughts.  Include whatever you like.  Make this page a living tribute to an atrocity we can only begin to imagine.

Thank you.