Today was a bit of an unsettling day. It started off with an email to call my sister in law, which was sent at a little past 4 am. I knew something was wrong but was about to shower, so opted to shower before I called. Right before I stepped in the shower, I saw the news about the Brussels terrorist attack. My gut tightened and my heart raced. I knew the email had something to do with the attacks.
20 minutes later, my hunch was confirmed. My sister in law, one of the strongest and compassionate people in the world, was wavering with worry and maybe panic. Why? Because her husband was in a war zone and the next hours turned into unknowns, questions marks, what ifs, how do i's. I felt her same worry and panic because he has been one of my rocks in life.
When he and I chatted, for about 5 minutes before he had to go, he said, I have a beacon at home. She [my sister in law] will guide me home. That statement was so damn powerful to me. For a couple that has had their ups and downs, he still looked to her as home. In that moment, it just proves what love can do regardless of the many ups and downs you have. When it comes down to it, love brings you back, gives you meaning, gives you purpose and gives you the strength to live.
I saw a different guy in him. I heard fear in his life and uncertainty, all of which I have never heard before. It made him human, not just my brother that fixes things for me and makes things easier. He in this moment was scared, he'll never admit, but he was scared.
But through that, he has a beacon and because of that I know he'll survive and I will get to see him this weekend.
To all the beacons out there, don't stop shinning that light, its the symbol of hope. Our world needs hope.
