The WOW happening NOW

Happy 4th of July!

Today is always bittersweet.

Today, I celebrate my anniversary.

Today, the country celebrates her independence.

Today, we as citizens of the United States, celebrate our freedoms to disagree, challenge, and question without persecution. (or do we...?)

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Today, I read stories about children and adults put into challenging situations because of their hopes and dreams for a better life.

Today, I watch demonstrations of material power.

Today, I remember an embodied collective of joy and love.

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Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is modeled after the famed Mr. Rodger's show. In one particular episode, Daniel is reminded (and reminds those watching) to "Enjoy the WOW that's happening NOW."

We watched that episode today.

And as I watch my wedding video - and the news feeds, I can't help but hear Daniel's, and Ms. Tiger's voices ringing in my head, singing, "Enjoy the WOW that's happening NOW!".

The NOW of the moment of my wedding.

The NOW of the folks who are in my wedding video but are no longer physically present.

The NOW of the possibilities of many years ago and the NOW that exists in this moment (both personally and nationally).

The WOW of memories that have been captured in this video. And the WOW of the memories that I can only hold in my heart.

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In 2016 I began the process of exploring Grief in LEFT BEHIND.

I don't think that I'll ever understand this phenomenon, no matter how many different ways I embody and experience it. But, in this post, I feel it's important to acknowledge that there's a WOW in reflecting on the NOW.

The WOW is painful and heartbreaking and capable of collapsing the human form. And yet, that WOW withstands the impossible pain of loss and grief.

The WOW is in the resilience of the human form to keep moving in face of the unbearable.

Enjoy the WOW that's happening NOW.

Damn...!

.... Happy 4th.

Thank you to those who have served (including our/ your families) and those who continue to serve, in whatever form that manifests.

and...in the words of Daniel Tiger, "Ugga mugga....!"