In light of the Godawful tragedy in Connecticut tonight- and the fact that it's completely incomprehensible to me how depraved someone would have to be to kill 20 children- I considered taking tonight off. But the more I thought about taking the night off, the more I realized that I needed some normalcy. It's not my tragedy and I don't get to own any part of it- but I do get to admit that I am sad and angry and confused.
Today I am trusting that time and love will provide just a bit of healing for the families who lost a loved one today, and that time and love will provide that same healing to the community of Newtown, Connecticut. I am also trusting that this is FINALLY the time that can open us as a nation to a dialogue on how we address both firearms and mental illness. Too many lives have been lost, and this discussion (and yes, it needs to be a discussion, not yelling of vitriol) is long overdue.
Today I am grateful that I came home to my quiet house with my non-human children and have had a peaceful, still evening (which I knew I needed before today's events, much less in their wake).
Today I am inspired by the wisdom of Mr. Rogers (yep, PBS-style Mr. Rogers), responsible for this: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."" It's a brilliant message in terrible times. And I am grateful that sometimes I am that helper.
Rest well, friends, and tell someone you love them while you can. If you can give them a hug with that message, so much the better.
Now Listening: "Through my Prayers"- The Avett BrothersLabels: TGIF