Optimism runs like waves. One day it is high and the next day it might be low. I have always appreciated a long run or quiet walk for clearing my mind, but over the past couple weeks this time has become crucial to my well being.

We live in such a spectacular place. I realize not everyone lives a mere ten minute walk from a place so wonderful, especially in the Fall.

There are so many thoughts swirling around in my head, but when I have my moments of clarity or hear just the thing I needed to hear I feel peace. One of the most humbling things I have experienced is realizing just how many people love us and want the best for us. In our moments of clarity we don't ask ourselves "why us" but rather "why not us". When someone says something to the effect of "I cannot believe you are here" or "I cannot believe you are smiling" I can have the strength to push pass these comments and move on.

Snippets of a conversation I had with a dear friend have been running through my head, so I thought I would share two of the most healing things I have heard:

This tragedy does not negate the joy you experienced leading up to it. This was a great reminder that nothing can take away from all the tiny moments of joy we experienced leading up to Asher's untimely death. It also was a great reminder of just how many wonderful moments we had.

Don't diminish your situation by comparing it to others. It is easy to say to ourselves it would be harder if.....but what you are experiencing has value and needs no comparison to other peoples situations.

I believe both these comments have an array of situations in which they can be applied and might be helpful in sorting through a trial you either are or will be experiencing in the future.