But you know what? I did catch JOY today. I spent the day with one of my most favorite people on earth - my daughter Brooke. And you know what? I caught JOY in the hours following this horrible, horrible tragedy. I didn't mean for it to happen. I didn't WANT it to happen. I actually felt guilty it happened. But she made me smile and she made me laugh and I love her more than life itself. Yes - she brought me JOY. And I am thinking that life does go on and those 28 angels in heaven are looking down upon us with smiles on their beatific faces knowing a truth that we can only imagine and pray to be.
I know this does not make anyone who lost a loved one yesterday, feel even one bit better. But for the rest of us left behind feeling helpless, I ask you to - say "I love you" to everyone you love, hold your babies tight, and seek out the JOY in your lives because THAT is why we are here. To find that JOY. To experience that JOY - even if only for a few moments, a few hours, a few years. No - you did not lose someone you cherish, yesterday. And yes, you are heartbroken and devastated for those who did. The most amazing thing you can do for those who did lose their loved one yesterday? For those who died a senseless death yesterday? Seek that JOY. You owe it to those sweet babies and heroes.
Yes - a horrific thing happened in our state of Connecticut yesterday. Unfathomable. Unthinkable. There are barely words to describe what we are all feeling. But know this. "God" was the first to cry yesterday morning. The gift of free will does not always birth results acceptable to humanity. But we can all be assured that our mission is to seek JOY amongst our struggles. I mean, think about it...as we live out our last breaths, isn't it a JOYful life lived, that will give us complete peace?
No - you may not agree with me about this. And I totally understand that. But I choose to focus - not on hatred - but JOY. Not on sorrow - but JOY. In my mind, a life well lived was filled with JOY. I pray desperately for those who are grieving. I can not imagine their sorrow. But my beautiful, innocent, oblivious Brooke taught me something today. She IS alive. She is JOY. There is nothing more important than that. For this lesson - I am grateful. I love you Brooke. You are my heart - my JOY.
I offer my sincerest, heartfelt condolences to all who knew someone or know someone that knew someone who died in Sandy Hook Elementary School yesterday.
Beautifully written, my friend. You catch joy and you release it for others. Thank you. <3
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, we need to try to focus on Joy and not hatred, but I am having a very hard time with that right now, as are many. But your right. And your daughter filling you with Joy, thats as it should be, right? I think that's a big reason to have children, to snap us back to reality when we veer off course onto the road of hate. I found Joy today reading your post, thank you for that. Found some Joy today over at Karens as she shared the words of one of the victims dad.
ReplyDeleteHard to find Joy today. I think I'll give my kids a call.