There Is A Big Hole...

....in our world.

It is so devastating and so

unfathomable.

We weep for those

who are suffering

and wonder what we can do.

It is an impossible question

to answer.

We all do the best we can.

We can donate to trusted

places.

We can call a loved one.

We can take care of things at home.

Aren't we blessed to have a home?

We can reach out to people

beyond our family

and say, 

"You matter, you fill a space

in my life."

"You are important to me."
And we can reach out
because we have working phones,
the Internet, or letters that we know will be delivered.
We have familiar paths, loved paths to walk.
They are still here, known and worn.

We can be thankful 

for so many things...

things we take for granted.

A house, a home

and knowing where our loved ones are.
They may not be here right now, 
but we are assured that they
are in a safe place.

We have food, clean water,

books to read,

warmth and hope.

We can go to bed at night...

(we have a bed to go to)

We have that bed with sheets

and warming blankets.

We have someone to say goodnight to.

We have doors to lock

or windows to open

in order to hear the tender sounds of the night.

If we have pets

they will be there to greet us in the morning,

and that morning will come, 

it will be like all other mornings.

It will be a normal morning.

Let us all give thanks

for a normal, simple morning.

A morning with all of its ordinariness.

May we all appreciate the 

big and the very small.

May we give thanks

and reach out however we are able.

Best to all, ellen.