Feeling grateful today, the last couple of days actually, and maybe a little overwhelmed. Over this past weekend the state of Oklahoma had massive wildfires and hundreds of families lost everything. My sister was one of them, family photos, heirlooms, memories all gone. The second word got out, the response was overwhelming. I don’t always believe the best of people. I don’t think I’m jaded or a pessimist, but people can kind of be not nice. But over the last several days my faith in humanity has been restored. I have watched as people from our hometown where we grew up, along with new friends and even strangers who have never met my sister came together. They came to donate, and to pray and to listen and encourage. And not just for my family but for the entire state. I believe Oklahoma will stand strong because that’s what we do in the face of tragedy. We lean in to each other. I believe my sister will stand strong, she is resilient. Yes she will grieve but she will come out on the other side better. All of this brings me hope that maybe we’re not a lost cause and that there are still good people out there. So I will end the day with a thankful heart, an attitude of gratitude and a hope that maybe this world we live in is not as bad as I had thought. My sister said it best, as she stood looking at the rubble, she noticed some daffodils that had just bloomed and she told me that as always, there is beauty after the storm. Joy does come in the morning.
