Hope hangs in the air some days, longing to be embraced. I have been affected by the news story of the missing boy and his grandparents. I do not know them but my heart breaks for them and their family and friends.

In those first hours and days after their disappearance, hope was tangible. The shattered parents on air, pleading for the safe return of their son, speaking directly to him. Did they know then that they knew the man who would be accused of murdering all three?

The news hit us all in the stomach, squashing hope and causing sorrow. Why would anyone do this heinous crime? The man seems to have some mental instability. The story will unfold as the months pass but I wonder what the souls of those who seem to have passed on want to say to their loved ones, taken without a chance to say adieu.

Hanging on to hope is hard. It is much easier to be bitter and cynical. I keep thinking about this family and tonight’s news story about releasing the balloons brought comfort. For every act of violence there is an act of peace that costs more. Violence is easy; peace is the challenge.

What do you choose this moment in your life?

Peace,

Suzanne