Last Wednesday, there was a tragic accident in Ottawa involving a city bus and a train. Six people were killed and 34 treated for various injuries. Countless others will carry emotional scars in the months and years to come.
This incident has left me full of emotion. It is heartbreaking to think that families went to sleep Wednesday night knowing they would never see their loved one again. It's terrifying that it happened as people were going about their normal business, trying to get to work or school on time. First responders put their own emotions aside and tended to the many casualties at an accident site that I'm sure left all witnesses shaken. I am consumed with feelings of sadness for those affected, I cannot imagine what they are going through. At the same time I am immensely (and selfishly) thankful that those I love are safe.
Tragedies happen daily around the world, only days before I was rocked by news of a shooting at a Navy Yard in Washington. It's not just in North America though, it seems every day we are inundated by news of another mass casualty situation. As quickly as the news comes though, it is forgotten, moved to a back page in the paper, buried deep in the news feeds online.
I understand life can't be lived in fear of the "what ifs." We have to continue going through the motions everyday, trusting that there is a plan for all of us (though whose plan it is depends on your beliefs-and rightly so!). Moments like this however bring to light many of the anxieties I bury deep inside.
My faith helps reassure me in times like this, and I hope those affected by this tragedy are able to find the support and guidance they need to get through this unimaginably difficult time. I will keep this incident in my memory throughout my life and will continue to think good thoughts for the victims and their families.
It took me a week to find the words to express how this incident made me feel, but I couldn't ignore it. I often get caught up in the day to day drama, and forget to be truly thankful just for the fact that I am alive and healthy. Moments like this remind me of how quickly things can change, making it imperative to live everyday to the fullest, as cliche as that might be.
This incident has left me full of emotion. It is heartbreaking to think that families went to sleep Wednesday night knowing they would never see their loved one again. It's terrifying that it happened as people were going about their normal business, trying to get to work or school on time. First responders put their own emotions aside and tended to the many casualties at an accident site that I'm sure left all witnesses shaken. I am consumed with feelings of sadness for those affected, I cannot imagine what they are going through. At the same time I am immensely (and selfishly) thankful that those I love are safe.
Tragedies happen daily around the world, only days before I was rocked by news of a shooting at a Navy Yard in Washington. It's not just in North America though, it seems every day we are inundated by news of another mass casualty situation. As quickly as the news comes though, it is forgotten, moved to a back page in the paper, buried deep in the news feeds online.
I understand life can't be lived in fear of the "what ifs." We have to continue going through the motions everyday, trusting that there is a plan for all of us (though whose plan it is depends on your beliefs-and rightly so!). Moments like this however bring to light many of the anxieties I bury deep inside.
My faith helps reassure me in times like this, and I hope those affected by this tragedy are able to find the support and guidance they need to get through this unimaginably difficult time. I will keep this incident in my memory throughout my life and will continue to think good thoughts for the victims and their families.
It took me a week to find the words to express how this incident made me feel, but I couldn't ignore it. I often get caught up in the day to day drama, and forget to be truly thankful just for the fact that I am alive and healthy. Moments like this remind me of how quickly things can change, making it imperative to live everyday to the fullest, as cliche as that might be.
Keep Smiling :)
you have such a big heart -- it was a touching post and a good reminder to enjoy the moment :)
ReplyDeleteA touching post for sure and good advice about living everyday to the fullest. There is a lot of sadness in the world and all around us, making it very important to realize that there is a lot of happiness too. Make sure you are looking for the happy stories as well as the sad.
ReplyDelete