Love.

It is a freaking scary thing to be raising a child in a world where you wake up to news like Vegas. There is something so utterly painful about knowing I can’t protect Jack from the evil in the world. I can’t keep him from one day learning that people who want to bring terror exist.

But it’s also the most motivating thing. Because no matter how bad things get, no matter how repetitive this narrative feels, I will never, ever stop trying to make the world a better place for him.

 

Yes, there needs to be serious action. If you have money, donate it. If you’re in the area and can donate blood, do it. If you’re passionate about gun control, call your representatives. But also, ask yourself what you, in this little space where you live your life, can do, right now, amidst your normal day. While you’re working, running errands, going to the gym, getting stuff done, what can you do? 

You can be good to others, and you can love. 

Be good to each other, because life is short, and all you have is right now. Love so loudly, so abundantly, so overwhelmingly, that people cannot leave an encounter with you without being so covered in love that they have to pass it on. 

Forgive way too easily. Love anyway. Love in spite of. Love even though. Love, love, love, love, love. 

I can’t make the world a safe place for Jack. I can’t shield him from the evil that exists in some people. But I can spend my days pouring out copious amounts of love into the world, and hope that it makes even the smallest difference. 

I’ll never stop trying, and neither should you.