BETWEEN THE LINES: HAVE WE BECOME SO HARDENED THAT EMOTION ESCAPES US?

We see so many awful things around us that we quit paying attention when they happen.

I became a journalist for many reasons, but one of the most important was that I wanted to tell people stories -- stories about real people and real life.

In this job I get to tell lots of stories -- everything from deacon elections and pastoral changes in area churches to fire, death and other tragedies.

Sometimes the stories are good news and sometimes they're not so good.

Keeping all this in mind, I don't think I realized how much my profession intrudes upon other people's lives until last weekend. On occasion, I think my job gets in the way of life.

While in town for another story, a photographer and I watched as a Marble Hill family's house burned to the ground after a gas heater exploded. Neighbors and the curious gathered on a nearby hillside to watch as volunteer firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Most of those in the crowd just wanted to see what was happening and who was involved. Others were concerned for the welfare of the family.

One couple offered to house the family at their home or to make other arrangements for them. Another neighbor offered food and clothing. Watching them, I learned that neighbors take care of neighbors, which isn't always true in other places around the country.

Friends comforted the family as I asked them questions about the home and how the blast occurred. Members of the family gladly explained what happened, and no one said I was intruding.

I was a little surprised, to tell the truth. Usually reporters are asked to keep their distance in such situations. Most people are too upset to talk or just don't want us prying into their lives.

Reporters ask tough questions and often it is those hard questions that people don't want to answer.

We don't always mean to pry, but our readers need and want to know what's happening around them.

I try my best to explain how the news affects the people of Southeast Missouri. It's just sometimes harder to explain how it affects me.

I was amazed at the composure of this family as they watched their home being destroyed. Everything they owned was consumed by the fire, and yet there were no tears and no rage.

Standing back from the heat of the fire, I watched in disbelief. How could they remain so calm?

But then I realized that many people react to the evening news telecast or their morning headlines in much the same way: disbelief and shock. They're just numb.

We see so many awful things around us that we quit paying attention when they happen.

Journalists around the world are reporting the latest development in an ethnic war and massacre in Kosovo and Bosnia. People are dying of starvation in Africa. Land in China, Bangladesh and India are saturated with floodwaters, cutting off food supplies and increasing the chances for disease outbreaks.

Terrible news, but nothing that hits really close to home. It's easier for us to cope if we don't react.

Maybe shock and disbelief are the defenses we're looking for. It could make life a little easier -- no emotional ties needed. But somehow I don't think it's the answer. Maybe we need to react more often and get involved to make a difference.

~Laura Johnston is a copy editor for the Southeast Missourian.