In the Wake

You are grieving as a nation.  Your innocence is gone … lost with the innocent lives.  It is a wake-up call … an awakening.  The collective pain is tangible.  There, amidst your holiday parties it is silently present, an unwelcome guest that no one wants to let in.  You do not speak of it as you celebrate, but then you return to your television sets to watch the images once more and feel the pain.  It stirs up memories within you, as well as fears. 

Be easy on yourself today, and on your brothers and sisters, as the pain is very near the surface.  Remember that all those around you are hurting in some way.  The slightest smile or kind word will bring them back to center.  You can be that catalyst, and in so doing help to heal yourself.  Speak up in a crowd if you will.  A gentle “Merry Christmas” is all it takes, with the heartfelt love behind the words, for there is still much to celebrate. 

Are not your wakes some of the most special times?  Even amidst the grief, there is laughter and there are smiles, for in your grief you are united in love as well.  Bid “Merry Christmas” to your fellow grievers, that you may feel the unifying Force of Love.  Were it not for the power of this all-pervasive energy, you would not feel the grief in the first place.  To truly know love, you must feel its opposites.  Yes, it is painful, but that is how you grow.  Feel the grief so that you may grow from it and love all the more fully.

We love you so very much and hold your hands as you walk the often challenging path of awakening.