Once again...

Boston marathon. These words used to bring images of health, vitality, excitement, achievement.  Once again, we are now met with words and images of the carnage and destruction that has rocked our world.  I can't believe that, once again, we are struggling to understand this senseless act of violence.  Once again, all that we are left with are questions. Who (has done this)? Why? How (can this happen)?  Once again, we feel scared, on guard, unsafe.  And yet, with each act of violence, we become less and less shocked that this can be happening, once again.

I read an article, written by a writer who was amongst those who were close to the explosion but not so close the they were (physically) affected.  She very skillfully detailed the situation from the perspective of one who has a unique view.  She outlined her path, from the explosion to safety.  I was not surprised by the fact that, in the midst of the suffering, there were many, many people who stepped up to care for and support the injured and the distraught.  From the first-responders to the doctors that triaged and mended, as best they could, those physically mangled bodies, humanity prevailed.

And those that were able were redirected  across a bridge where she described people helping people... a man overcome by emotion was comforted by the surrounding crowd.  Cell phones and coats being passed around with no hesitance.  Once again, the power of connection begins to create a path to healing, even in all of the pain.  The human spirit will return to find hope and healing.

Once again, WE WILL MOVE ON. 


(see her story http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carrie-jones/i-was-at-the-boston-marathon_b_3091219.html?ncid=webmail19)

Spring Snow...

What a treacherous ride home last night!  Here in the Metro Denver area of Colorado, we were hit with up to 10" of wet, messy snow.  Roads were slippery and traffic was slow and tedious.  As I finally reached my destination and breathed a sigh of relief, I had to admit to myself that there is a silver lining ~ the peaceful quality of the quietly falling snow that has landed on the tips of the still-barren trees has brought a sense of serenity and beauty.   

I'm reminded of those times in life when things are so rocky that you'd just love to pull off the road and hole up in a motel for the night.  You know, those minor inconveniences that leave you frazzled and wondering why you married/had kids/volunteered for something that you have little time for?  Or sometimes, it's a major loss or tragedy that creates a hole in your life that nothing can fill.  Regardless of the depth of the situation, navigating this mentally, emotionally and physically can take its toll.  Living through the experience can be painful, exasperating, frustrating and sometimes comedic.  But when you've plowed through the chaos and the mess, you're left with an opportunity to find some glimmer of peace and hope.

Don't get me wrong ~  I don't deny that there is pain and suffering along the way.  It is important to take the time and energy necessary to heal and find meaning in whatever situation life throws at you.  There is no clock that tells you when you 'should' move on.  When you're ready and you can begin to find the meaning that you derive from the situation, you can also find peace that will give you some measure of acceptance