I’m getting sick of hearing about news stories like the one out of Parkersburg today about the tragic death of Coach Ed Thomas.  It makes you wonder, ‘what is wrong with the people of this world?’  There are no answers to that question, though.  It seems horrible news is always right around the corner.  Selfish and senseless acts of cowardice and violence that rip communities and families apart happen everyday in all parts of the globe.  It never goes away or gets better, and when it hits this close it scares you to think that something this horrific can happen to us at any time.  As I write this, I do not know about the details.  I do not know of any circumstances that may have led to this.  I do not know of a backstory.  It doesn’t matter though.  I can’t possibly imagine what the Thomas family is going through, but I know they will need our help, support and prayers.  David has worked closely with Ed Thomas and the people in this program for a year now on an ICS  project that documents a turbulent time in the lives of the people in the A-P school district.  Their strength and courage were put to the test time and again, but they rose above disaster and loss to rebuild and rebound.  This inexplicable action may take more resolve to recover from.  More than anyone should ever have to summon, without a doubt.  I cannot find the correct words to describe the unbearable pain and anguish this will cause, but I suggest we all keep the good people of A-P in our thoughts and remember to cherish each moment we have together.  Don’t try and figure it out, though.  If there’s anything we can agree on in this world it’s that there is no explanation…  I have a big notebook that I keep all of my high school football stuff in.  It’s full of records, stats, teams, etc.  Everything that keeps me on top of what’s going on and what I need for our work here at ICS.  It is and has been my ‘Bible’ of sorts for years now every Fall.  In the front sleeve of this binder is a picture of Ed Thomas that the IHSAA put out a few years ago to commemorate the program and his accomplishments.  Something about that picture and the words that accompany it made me keep it prominately displayed.  The title is “We know the value of a coach”.  Anyone who ever met Ed Thomas truly understands that…  Maybe something will be brought up along these lines once the upcoming season is upon us, but I think it wouldn’t be overdoing it by having every high school football team in Iowa wear Falcon logos on their helmets this season.