Where to start?

As I write this, the Country celebrates/decries the death of a terrorist. It’s a surreal end to a surreal week.

This past week has been a series of ups and downs all around. There have been wicked storms in the South and very close to home for me. The city of Vilonia, AR was ravaged by a tornado, as were several other places. Vilonia is just a stone’s throw up the road from homebase. Close to home as it can get. I had the opportunity to help in some small way by delivering supplies into Vilonia just after the storms passed on Monday night [ 04.25.2011 ]. It was my first up-close experience with amazing devastation. Come to find out, real people I know lost everything they had. Friends and neighbors, surviving.

Tuesday was pretty tame by comparison.

Wednesday was filled with gut-wrenching anticipation for me. I had pinned my hopes on a prospect that didn’t pan out. But, I made a new friend in the process, and a silver lining is there. Ever hopeful for what may come in the future

As I tried to reset my expectations and adjust my perspective, I made it through Thursday with very little trouble. Until the end. A text message from my Mom brought the terrible news that my sister’s best friend had passed away in her sleep. There’s perspective for you. [ update: My sister reminded me that the very sad news came Wednesday evening. Thursday actually worked out rather nice. In the evening we celebrated Drew’s (5 yo, he’s a Dec. baby…) graduation from pre-school. Drew will start Kindergarten in the fall. ] I enjoy a good job, a great life with amazing friends and family. Yet, this bright soul didn’t wake up. I relish in the mundane routine. I assert my gratefulness for the little joys that go overlooked. I’m happy that I’ll make my kids a bowl of cereal on Friday morning.

The weekend brings good things. Downtime and the beginning of greatness. I was empowered to start writing, thank you Lisa. My family came together to make a space for me to get to work on my ideas. Ideas I know will make a better life for the people I love. And more amazing friends to rally around my cause. Offering their expertise and encouragement as I embark on my mission. Our mission. These people want my success. They believe in what I want to do. They will see me through it.

Sunday came with an opportunity to help someone I love, the aforementioned friend whose family lost it all on Monday. The Universe winds us together in ways that matter, if you just pay attention. It also brought more severe storms, and flooding and more deaths.

I know what I have to do tomorrow [ 05.02.2011 ], but I don’t know what it brings. I have the honor to serve as a pall-bearer for my sister’s friend. The moment will be sad, but I know better than to expect anything from what the week might hold.

The past week was beginnings, ends, death, sadness, expectation, devastation and a renewal of spirit. I started writing. I started on a dream. I found a way to maintian perspective. It was every bit amazing, awesome, terrible and wonderful.

I can’t wait for Monday.

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