Opinion | The Walmart attack: A defining moment?

I split my time between Indianapolis — Indiana’s largest city, where approximately 2 million people live in the metropolitan area, and climbing — and Cedar, Michigan, just northwest of Traverse City. Its population is the size of a small neighborhood in Indy, with big-city conveniences just a 15-minute drive away. 

Over the past 25 years, I have repeatedly attempted to permanently relocate to my most beloved spot on the planet: the Grand Traverse region. But my dear Hoosier wife of 44 years has continually confounded my plans (lovingly, of course). 

So, straddling these two very different worlds, now as a seasonal resident here, I was shocked — though not surprised — to learn of the terrible act of violence at the Walmart in Traverse City late Saturday afternoon, July 26, notably at the height of the tourist season. The actions of a deeply troubled man who attempted, most likely unwittingly, to steal the innocence of one of America’s most visited vacation destinations, almost immediately made national headlines. 

Out-of-town families were buying groceries in bulk for a hard-earned, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime week of rest and relaxation here in God’s country. Locals were simply making a Saturday shopping stop for sundry items that keep a household running. Then this nightmare materialized without warning. In public. In broad daylight. Harming innocents.

Violence of this magnitude collectively occurs in Indy most every weekend and has been for years running, though usually at the end of a gun barrel.

In northern Michigan, that was unheard of — until now.

Escaping the pall of violent crime is but one of several distinct reasons that people are coming to make a new life in such a storybook — and typically peaceful — setting like northern Michigan. Foremost are its enchanting natural wonders. Remarkably, crystalline bodies of freshwater are most everywhere you turn.

Another factor in the Up North relocation phenomenon is the increasing number and intensity of “natural” disasters, especially along the West Coast and in the Southwest, exacerbated if not caused by climate change. Although at a trickle now, such climate migrants stand to dramatically increase in numbers in coming years. 

Then there’s the pandemic-accelerated ability to work remotely along with the growing local economy, especially in the tech, construction, food and beverage and service industries. Further, if you have the means and can afford decent housing (a regional crisis now), it’s a great place to raise a family. Just ask the many “boomerangers” who return to the Grand Traverse region, young families in tow, year after year.

Really, when anyone first visits northern Michigan, it’s no wonder that most of them — practically on the spot — begin to consider how they can make it a permanent arrangement. Who can blame them?

Now, because of the actions of one profoundly disturbed man, has the Grand Traverse region suddenly transformed overnight into yet another locale in America to be plagued by a future of violent crime?

I think not.

This achingly recent incident does not define the people who call this very special place home, nor those who own seasonal property and treat it, and its residents, with much-deserved respect. As for tourists, northern Michigan will remain in high demand as a vacation destination for years to come. The depraved criminal, whose name I will not mention, can’t take that away from us.

A day after the assault, I learned that one of the interviewees for my recently published book was seriously injured at Walmart on that dreadful day.

This was heartbreaking news. The many folks I interviewed for “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan” – including tourist industry leaders, conservationists, biologists, astronomers, orchardists, Realtors, public safety officials, members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore officials, lifelong residents and transplants – were so gracious. They welcomed my interest, fed my curiosity, and provided remarkable insight into the sea change that has swept over the region, particularly since the advent of the pandemic. 

Their stories in aggregate illustrate that northern Michigan is much more than just the prettiest place you’ve ever seen. Its people make it what it is: an incredible experience that leaves everyone wanting to come back for more. 

So, is the horrific Walmart incident a sign of things to come or an anomaly? I’m betting on the latter.

God speed the recovery of the victims of this heinous attack — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — as we keep them in our hearts.