It was truly an amazing sight to walk out onto the deck this morning in TN and see such a beautiful sunrise with the clouds and colors in full bloom, as it were. Seeing such beauty was refreshing due to the events that brought us here. Knowing that, in an instance, the ability to experience a sunrise, or feel the heat of your partner's lips as they kiss you, or hearing the sound of your daughter's laugh, can be wiped away because of random acts of brutal violence and unkindness. It's tough to not know what can be done for others' sakes and to feel helpless to really help. It is comforting in a way to know that I have been extremely lucky to have grown up in a family that can bring out the best during the very worst conditions that one can imagine. Just experiencing first-hand the resolve that my brother has is quite inspiring and indeed helps the process of grieving. I know that he is hurting inside and out, along with his fiancé and doughtier, but the way he has been able to hold it all together from that point on is truly amazing. The road ahead is going to be tough, almost too hard at times for them, but from the time I got to spend with him these past two days, I can tell that they will be okay in time. I can't count how many sunrises, sunsets, ocean waves, or rainbows I have seen over the years, but I can say that this morning's art show is one that I will remember for a very long time.
