In Times of Tragedy
If there is one thing to take away from the tragedy in Connecticut it is that we should appreciate the people we love today, because there is no guarantee we will have them tomorrow.
We all go through these types of experiences at times. My wife’s car accident, my son’s surgery and my Dad’s minor stroke a few years back. In each one of these instances, while everyone turned out okay, there was that moment when I was not sure about what the outcome was going to be and there is nothing worse than that feeling, especially for an individual who prides himself on being able to make things happen when they need to.
Now as some of you know I am not the most religious person on this planet, however I do believe in God. I am not going to say that tragedies like this are his will. Theologians have debated for centuries behind the meanings of events like these. What I will say is that sometimes things have to happen so we can appreciate the people around us more.
Who knows, maybe a parent who was working more than necessary decided that was enough and to reconnect with their children, or perhaps an estranged family won’t be so estranged this holiday season. Or maybe, just maybe, someone who hasn’t told you they loved you in a while will.
Tragedies are always hard on the soul. They remind us that we are human, frail and our lives can be snuffed out at any moment by events we had nothing to do with. On the other side, they can also remind us what is most important in this world, the people we love and the people who love us.
