Not A Day Goes By...

I don't think a day has passed in the last week or so that has been free of tears. Except when I was camping on Saturday and Sunday and didn't have the Internet. Not tears because of Jason. Not because of work. Not because of our house. It's because I can't read this blog without crying. Each time I wonder what it is that makes me cry so much (other than the total obvious that it's a tragedy... or is it?). I had never even heard of this family before the accident, but that hasn't kept me from crying and it hasn't stopped me from being inspired.

I cried knowing four children are temporarily without their parents. I cried knowing the parents, if conscious, would be sad they were missing time with their children. I cried learning more about this amazing family. I cried for the pilot and his family. I cried for the siblings and parents. I cried for the pain the family is feeling. I cry every time I talk to Jason about it.

And that was just the beginning.

I cried harder seeing overwhelming and unbelievable amounts of support from family, friends and perfect strangers. Hundreds of silent auctions were held (see them all at www.designmom.com). Through the tears I couldn't help but laugh at her brother's auction. But when I saw the amount of money people were willing to pay for this silly auction, I couldn't help but cry some more. I cried reading of this story being spread around the world and seeing so many good people willing to reach out and help. Even people like I, who had never met the family. So it seems that maybe these are in fact tears of inspiration and of happiness from the evident goodness in the world.

But I cry the hardest when I read about this sweet sister and her amazing family. Reading of her attitude and outlook makes me feel guilty that a complaint ever escapes my mouth. If you don't click on any other links I have put in this post, at least read this. The Spirit that accompanied her words here was completely overwhelming to me. To have such faith, hope and peace during such tragedy has truly inspired me. To see that a "normal" person was loved by so many that she is inspiring thousands as she lies sedated in a hospital room somewhere between life and death makes me want to be better. She was, after all, "just" a mom. But through this tragedy, her spirit, with the help of her family, has touched the hearts of thousands.

I believe that people sometimes go through trials in order to help others. I think we knew what we'd experience in this life and often we saw how it would affect others so we gladly accepted knowing what the eternal outcome would be. This story is the epitome of such beliefs and thoughts.

So despite the tears, I am determined more than ever to be a better wife and mom, sister and friend. I promise to more fully enjoy every day I am blessed with on this earth. Since it is unlikely I will ever have to sacrifice my looks, being a better person seems like the least I can do...