Tragedy and Heartbreak

I have been riveted by the coverage of Monday's tragic earthquake in China. I feel a connection to all of these families and especially the mothers who lost their children the day after we celebrated Mother's Day. I can't stop myself from looking at the news photos~photos too heartbreaking to share: parents grieving over the child they lost or holding photos hoping their child might be found. I can't stop thinking about people trapped and dying in debris.

My heart is breaking for those families who sent their children off to school for a normal day. Now, they will never know normal again.

Life after the earthquake will never be the same.

My heart hurts for their losses.

I feel so ashamed that I get frustrated with the things that happen in my perfectly NORMAL life. I wish there was a way to keep the perspective I feel now in my daily thoughts. I wish I didn't complain about making dinner in a kitchen that is not in ruins. I wish that I felt true joy every time my children come home from school and need to do homework and practice piano.

I wish that I fully appreciated each day I got to spend with them.

I want to show more gratitude for my blessings and busy days.

I want to cherish the time I have with my family and my friends.

I want to appreciate the things that I have: the home, the food, the transportation, the comfort, the opportunity that I enjoy.

I want to be less easily offended, and more likely to see the best in people.

I feel so helpless.

Perhaps the best thing I can do is to try to change me and live a more grateful life.