In the End...

None of this world will matter...material possessions, money, fame...all that we possess will mean nothing...family, friendship...LOVE...love saves, love remains after all else fades into the background...the touch of a hand, the brush of lips upon the cheek...the smell of your mothers favourite perfume, the sound of her laugh, the silliness she could dissolve into to the delight of my children...

These things, it is upon these things I ponder this morning...the air is cold and brisk as I open the door to let the beast out, ears flopping, tail quivering, nostrils flaring taking in all scents of the cool morning air....the pop and crackle of the fire adds comfort to the quiet...

In the end my friends...I believe this is why those who have had close encounters with that good night, with the grim reaper live each moment truly as if it is their last...each laugh, smile, hug, expression of love is the more precious, the more true and right in a world gone mad, cements us...grounds us...these things save us...not the sports car, the money flowing from your fingertips, the fancy hotels and restaurants, the trips, the house with more rooms than the local hospital...none of these things save...

I have sat beside many a bed, held many a hand as the patient slips peacefully away...friends and family, loved ones standing close by, sharing the grief, sharing in the love...

In the end it is our capacity for love that will fulfill, will satisfy...

In the end it is what we give out, not what we take in that will showcase our impact in our part of the world...

I look to the future...and I pray for every survivor, each lost one battling their way free...I press forward in joy, in love, in grace and mercy and live for every moment, love for every moment, every meet, every conversation...love.

Press forward dear treasures...life has much to offer...above and beyond your pain, your sorrow; there is life, there is joy and peace, there is love everlasting and true...