Posted on 04/07/2014 9:29:14 AM PDT by Kaslin
Americans are incredibly generous individuals. Last week, when tragedy tore two young lovers apart—anonymous donors across the nation reached out, proving that individual goodness trumps social welfare.
24-year-old Indianapolis resident Nathan Trapuzzano stepped out the door last Monday, April 1 for his traditional morning walk on the west side. Nathan had high hopes for his life. He had recently moved to Indianapolis and was enjoying his career as a computer programmer. He was a year into his marriage to Jennifer—the love of his life—a stunning strawberry blonde with a gorgeous smile.
Nathan and Jennifer were a match made in heaven—from the moment he dropped down on one knee and proposed in front of their Catholic church, to the memorable hot summer days they shared volunteering or watching baseball games together. Both Nathan and Jennifer were looking forward to the birth of their first child. They had already selected the baby’s name: Cecelia. Life was sweet. The future was bright.
Then, everything went dark.
Gunshots pierced the brisk spring air around 6:00 a.m., ending Nathan’s young life. For no reason, a gunman ran up behind Nathan and forced him into an alleyway. As Nathan resisted and tried to break free, his attacker shot him in the abdomen. A surveillance video from a nearby tire shop reveals that there was another man involved, apparently playing the role of keeping watch. Both men fled the scene, leaving few clues as to their identity or motivation. A passerby called 911 and Nathan was rushed to the hospital. At 7:40 a.m., Nathan drew his last breath.
Jennifer’s life was changed forever. She lost her husband and her unborn baby girl lost her father. Only God knows why this happened, and Jennifer is looking to Him for strength and healing. Jennifer’s family released a statement saying:
“Nathan Trapuzzano was the most kind-hearted person you would ever know. He never had an unkind thought in his head. He was so in love with his wife Jennifer, and unborn baby daughter, Cecelia. He was so excited about being a new Daddy. …Nate would not want us to become angry, but rather focus on the good and what is yet to come.”
Friends set up an online donation site to help Jennifer pay for funeral expenses and establish a fund for her newborn. They set a modest goal of $25,000. Within 24 hours, they had exceeded their goal by fourfold—raising $100,000. Donations came in from all over the country—most donors had never heard of Jennifer before, but they were touched by the story. Benevolent Americans donated whatever they could afford, in amounts as small as $5.00 and $25.00. Many donors chose to remain anonymous and refused personal recognition. Many wrote notes of condolence and promised prayers. Individual generosity compounded at an amazing pace.
Nathan Trapuzzano’s story is spreading like wildfire across America. He was a good man whose life was stolen from him. He was a wonderful friend and a devoted lover. He’ll be deeply missed. Nathan’s priest described him in a blog post: “He was a true gentleman, considerate of others and always wanting to become a better man.”
Through his well-lived life and early death, Nathan has shown us all the power of individual Americans to freely and bigheartedly give their help to strangers in need. At a time when politicians and bureaucrats continually try to tell us where and how to spend our money—only to end up spending it on frivolities like line dancing in Las Vegas—we can all benefit from a beautiful reminder that the most effective generosity is voluntary.
Never underestimate the power of the free individual. From freedom springs love.
1. There has to be SO MUCH more to this story
2. What was going on at 6:00 AM? The story makes it sounds like he proposed in a church and then got mugged on the way out?
3. More black in white violence? Mugging gone wrong? No witnesses? Etc.
That’s a lovely story.
Now what’s needed is a reward fund to smoke out the murderers and get them the death sentence they so richly deserve.
After the proper vetting, I think this could be a rallying event for people tired of being the victims of senseless violence. If some drug-addled fairy like Matthew Shepard or a hate-filled poseur like Rachel Corrie can become martyrs to Leftism, I don’t see any reason why a decent young man can’t become a hero for conservatives.
And if this turns out to be racially based, then his murder becomes the counterweight to the Trayvon sympathizers.
For most of my life I got up at four thirty and was on my way to work an hour later. Six AM is just part of the work day for lots of people.
I read about this case in another article. What could possibly be the reason he was "forced into an alleyway?" Killed for taking a morning walk? Or maybe because he was the "wrong" color?
Other article said it was to rob him of his cell phone.
I too wondered if there were more to this story...
There are days when I make a conscious decision to leave my little friend at home because of where I'm going or what I'm wearing... but no more. I will carry everywhere, every day, and practice inbetween.
And woe be unto the first scum-sucking son of Obama that tries this on me cause I'm an old fart and unable to put up a decent fight any more - I'll just shoot his ass.
Trayvon Martin received overwhelming attention because he and Zimmerman were ethnically different.
The tragedy of Relisha Rudd is a case in point. This young black American 8 year-old’s life is a disgrace and illustrates why no national attention is being focused on her life, abduction and probable murder - at the hands of her own family and associates.
This is a long article and horrifying. Prayers for this innocent and neglected child.
Here’s what happened to me in 1974, as a victim in a robbery/shooting. I walked away from this one, by the Grace of God, and carry a 1911 .45 acp to this day. I also still have the bullet in my left side at the spine. I won’t be a victim, twice.
http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s607/Family_Farm/DCP_1319_zpsa92999cd.jpg
Indianapolis seems to be on the downward spiral into the pit of continual violence. Seems the more rallying they do the more violence there is.
BTTT
Very well said
Go read the article again. You must have missed that they had been married close to a year and that his wife had been pregnant with their baby girl
What a lovely and happy looking couple
Not reported is the crime was committed by sons of Obama. No protests will be held. No vigils. No black community leaders will march for justice. It is just another racial crime swept under the rug because the victim, is white.
Correct
He was taking his normal early morning walk before going to work. Nothing nefarious. Just getting a little exercise in the morning. I used to run first thing in the morning before going to work.
Yes more Black on white crime. He took the same walk every day. The thugs probably had cased him out to rob him. Life is cheap in the Black inner city.
That is messed up on so many levels. Her family needs to take a look at their lack or participation that made this possible and quit blaming “the man”
At six AM my husband has already been at work for two hours.
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