It happened last August in Allenstown, New Hampshire. The city was celebrating ‌Old Home Day‍ as has become the custom in this sleepy little community of around five thousand residents. The township organized a parade, which meant blocking off some of the streets until the small procession had completed the designated route. One of those ‌Allenstownians‍ by the name of Paul Boucher was not happy about his street being one closed to traffic. The seventy-seven year old man was so upset that he was arrested on two felony accounts. It all started when Mr. Boucher refused to wait and drove through a barricade, and then being confronted by Police Officer Michael Debisz. The officer was then struck by Mr. Boucher   with his car! The officer managed to reach into the car and grab the keys. Patrolman Debisz sustained injuries to his leg and was taken to the local hospital and then released.

Who would have imagined a sweet looking Grandpa type would perpetrate assault on a police officer? Certainly not Officer Debisz. However, that is the precise way suffering comes in our life; where we may least expect it. Because of this fact we must be prepared, take precautions, and be watchful. Being prepared for suffering will make it less intense and the duration be a great deal shorter. I bet Office Debisz will be a little more vigilant next year when the ‌Old Home Day‍ rolls around, so he doesn t get rolled over again.