A light in the dark

We've seen tragedy before. Small events, large events, foolish events, events of sheer terror. We seem to be living in a world gone mad with fear, anger, hate, mistrust, and overwhelming ignorance. My heart breaks for the families affected by the recent tragedies in the news, my soul weeps for those wanting to help but not knowing which way to turn. In the coming days, weeks, months, and years ahead know this. I care about you. I want nothing more than for each and every one of you to find love, peace, and joy in your lives and the lives of those around you. I have not all the answers, in fact I have very few of the answers. I am as lost and confused as the rest of you as to why these things within such an advanced society continue to plague us.

I do know this, I will continue to love you. I will continue to try and be the change I wish to see in this world. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, and a hand outstretched with compassion and kindness where there seems to be none. I will not live my life in fear. I will judge you on the content of your character and not the colour of your skin, or the god(s) you pray to.

I am a military brat, an officers wife, a soldier's mother, a battle buddies friend. I am a thread within a rich and diverse tapestry encompassing and crossing borders, cultures, languages, religions, sexual orientations, beliefs, and time. I will continue to celebrate all that I am, while also learning and celebrating all that you are. Please join me in being a light in the dark and continuing to fight the hatred that threatens to tears at whom we truly are. Brothers, sisters, children, mothers, fathers, lovers, caregivers.. Humankind. Let us all, Be. Both.

To the father of my son and extended children, whom wrote the open letter above. I have known you long before you put on a uniform and have been blessed to be there to see the journey you've taken and the man you have become. I am always and forever proud of that man. You have always been willing to run in and help when others would run away or turn a blind eye. The actions of a few do not dictate the actions of the many. You are now and have always been a good man, with or without a uniform. The recent actions of some have little to do with the actual uniform, but the choices of some lost, scared and yes some bad people. Period. I am honoured to continue to have you as a part of my life and will forever stand next to you.

Thank you for always being someone not only I but our children and the public can call upon to be a heart of compassion, a voice of reason, and a light in the dark.

I am deeply sorry that this is even something you would ever have to address. I am sorry that you will be seen as someone to fear, or not trust. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I love you.