There is something about the sun that lifts my spirits on pretty much all occasions. Watching the sun reflect off the Mon as I drove down the street where I worked inevitably would make me feel at ease. I do miss that.
While driving to church Easter morning, the sun was shining brightly. I told myself that this was going to be a better week. It just had to be. Last week was spent mourning the deaths of three slain Pittsburgh police officers and feeling my heart break for the family of two kids who went to Jordan's school who were tragically killed in a car accident. The week ended with Father Elmer, a beloved retired priest at my church, accidentally running into a handful of people after the Good Friday service, killing one and injuring others.
It was at once sad and heart-warming at the Easter Vigil mass Saturday night. Walking in the portico and confronting a makeshift memorial for the crash brought tears to my eyes. But listening to Father John talk about people coping with a tragedy and how everyone injured in that crash asked about Fr. Elmer made me feel better. That the family who lost their mother/wife/grandmother is so concerned about how Fr. is doing is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to forgive. (Having TV cameras shoved in your face during mass does provide a little levity, I suppose.)
Yes, last week was not my favorite. But knowing the sun shines through the darkest clouds gives me hope. It reminds me that there is good in the world. That people can overcome tragedy. That there are everyday heroes out there walking among us.
So I will continue to embrace the sun as I feel it but also try to be okay with the rain when it comes too.
While driving to church Easter morning, the sun was shining brightly. I told myself that this was going to be a better week. It just had to be. Last week was spent mourning the deaths of three slain Pittsburgh police officers and feeling my heart break for the family of two kids who went to Jordan's school who were tragically killed in a car accident. The week ended with Father Elmer, a beloved retired priest at my church, accidentally running into a handful of people after the Good Friday service, killing one and injuring others.
It was at once sad and heart-warming at the Easter Vigil mass Saturday night. Walking in the portico and confronting a makeshift memorial for the crash brought tears to my eyes. But listening to Father John talk about people coping with a tragedy and how everyone injured in that crash asked about Fr. Elmer made me feel better. That the family who lost their mother/wife/grandmother is so concerned about how Fr. is doing is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to forgive. (Having TV cameras shoved in your face during mass does provide a little levity, I suppose.)
Yes, last week was not my favorite. But knowing the sun shines through the darkest clouds gives me hope. It reminds me that there is good in the world. That people can overcome tragedy. That there are everyday heroes out there walking among us.
So I will continue to embrace the sun as I feel it but also try to be okay with the rain when it comes too.
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