A Postman Dies: Random violence claims carrier

Tulsa Times ^ | 12/15/01 | World Editorial Writers

[JohnD9207]

Random violence claims carrier

Robert Jenkins, husband and father, did not walk his Tulsa mail route Wednesday thinking that it would be his day to die.

He left for his job, as most of us do, expecting to work his shift and then return home to those he held dear.

Things did not work out that way for Jenkins, 30, the victim of an apparent random act of violence. He will never go home and his 18 month old daughter will not grow up with her father.

The nine-year postal veteran took a bullet in the back. Witnesses claim the bullet came from the gun of Jason Weed, 27. Weed was arrested a few minutes later near the Brookside district, carrying a loaded gun and acting erratically.

Weed was booked into the Tulsa Jail on a first-degree murder complaint.

By all accounts Jenkins was a dedicated worker in a job that can be thankless and physically demanding.

"Everyone liked him," said John Harrison, president of the Tulsa chapter of the National Letter Carriers Association. "He was a good employee."

Around Oklahoma, flags at post offices were at half staff and a fund for the family was set up at the Tulsa Postal Federal Credit Union.

Letter carriers fight bad weather, snarling dogs, heavy traffic and other hazzards on a day-in, day-out basis. And while a postal handler died this fall from inhalation anthrax, no route carrier had been a homicide victim in a couple of years.

The last homicides included a letter carrier who was shot at a Los Angeles Jewish community center. Another was murdered in a carjacking in rural Mississippi. In fiscal 2000, postal inspectors responded to 1,037 postal related assults and credible threats. Their investigations led to 441 arrests.

"The thought of delivering mail and encountering what happened (to Jenkins) Couldn't possibly be anticipated by any letter carrier," one postal supervisor said.

Indeed it could not. In this year, when so much violence has rained down on America, the death of Robert Jenkins marks yet another instance of man's inhumanity to man.

[f.Christian]

Dear Savior, stretch Thy loving arms
Above the stormy sea,
Where, tossed ’mid dark and angry waves,
The mariner calls to Thee.
Upon that fierce and angry main
My poor weak bark doth ride,
O what am I ’mid such strong foes
Without Thee by my side?

O as Thou didst on Galilee
The waters calm at will,
When torrents raised by evil breath
The sinking ship did fill:
So now in my storm shaken soul
Awake with strength divine,
And whisper ‘peace’ to warring winds,
And let Thy glory shine.

Be Thou my Pilot through the mists
And storms that darkly rise,
As o’er life’s vast and dangerous sea
My frail bark lightly flies.
With Thee my soul securely rests
From evil’s blight restored;
And isles of green and fragrant seas
Bring peace and sweet reward.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clifford Smyth(no link) 1910...back with the link!

I am told the song..."All Is Well With My Soul" was written over the place in the ocean where the writer's family was lost at sea. God will change all of our suffering--sorrows to peace and joy in the long run...now we tread-bail water--swim--faith with fresh wind--friends to share the pain-storms...on the distant shore we find...there will be no tears---no more tears--no sorrow!!

Keep reaching out--were all stragglers--lost at sea--lonely--survivors at hearts!

[f.Christian]

Here's the... Cyberhymnal and... more!!

[Libertina]

John, I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your son and a prayer for your family's healing and strength.

[Libertina]

BUMP for this thread and my prayers are with you Caitlynsnmom. Please keep in touch often.

[whoever]

Your daughter, granddaughter, you and your family have been added to my prayer list. Please look to Him for comfort in this tragedy. He can grant you peace that passes all understanding.

Snow Bunny, thanks for the flag here.

[Snow Bunny]

Beautiful words too my friend.

[onyx]

Beautiful words, thanks for the ping.

[onyx]

I'm deeply sorrowful for your loss. Prayers for him on their way.

[Snow Bunny]

What a beautiful poem sweet Victoria.

[editor-surveyor]

Your family will be in my prayers.

Please accept my apologies for any double pings.

[editor-surveyor]

Please accept my apologies in advance for any double pings.

[MeekOneGOP]

Not a problem, friend!
Double ping bump!

[OKCSubmariner]

I have a new son in law who is just like one of my own sons. Losing him would be very rough.

From what I have read you and your son in law are Christians. For that you can rejoice knowing that your son in law is with Jesus Christ and you will see him again.

I worry about my son, daughter and son in law all the time because life is so unpredictable. Thank goodness they are all Christians, so no matter what happens their future in Christ is secure.

Think what your son in law stands for and as a tribute to him, pursue what he stands for. And of course make sure his sons and daughters are raised in the knowledge of the Lord and know the good things of their father.

The Lord Jesus Christ and all the Freepers Love you, your daughter and your son in law.

God will shine His mercy ,blessings and love on you and your family. Our prayers are with you and your family and they have been heard.

The Lord's prayer is one I always recommend since it is His prayer.

[ken21]

bump.

[brityank]

John -- you and your family have my heartfelt condolences in your grievous loss; may the Lord sustain and keep you all.

Please excuse the excess pings, but these good folk need our prayers and support.

[Beep]

The Messenger

From an Angel on high a tender message of love was softly whispered into the ear of this humble scribe . . .

Weep not for me
now that I have passed.
Remember the laughter, the affection, the joy;
not just the recent tears.
Cherish the memories, our hopes and dreams.
Hold fast to the love that we shared.
Be happy with the time we spent together
and being anew.
For I am not really gone,
I am closer than ever before.
As the morning sun rises
and throughout the busy day . . .
I am with you.
Until the setting sun disappears on the horizon
and we watch the day turn into night . . .
I am here. as I gently kiss your forehead, "Good night."
The stars that shine so brightly in my heavenly sky
help me watch over you and keep you from harm.
I am the wind in the trees
and the song of a bird.
I am moonbeams in a midnight sky
and a glorious rainbow after the storm.
I am morning dew
and freshly-fallen snow.
I am a butterfly flying overhead
and a puppy happily at play.
I am a smile on a stranger's face
a gentle touch
a warm embrace.
Listen to the wind for my message of love.
Watch the sun rise and set in the sky with me.
Feel my essence encircle you with warm memories.
Open your heart to know . . .
I am not gone.
Reach deep into your soul . . .
You will find me.
I am here.
Have no fear.
I am with you,
Always.

[nunya bidness]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[runningbear]

Prayers to said....

[pray4liberty]

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are praying for you all. God bless you, and be comforted that your husband is safe from all suffering and embraced eternally in the Lord's loving arms. To the sorrowful, He is sympathy.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippinns 4:13