Morning After

Mondays have a way of giving you a certain morning-after, hangover feel. I didn't actually have a hangover, despite those 1 1/2 powerful drinks I spoke of yesterday. The fact that it's Monday alone contributes to the feeling but also the eventual return of reality in all of it's glory.

I received a call from my sister about Dad's inevitable return to mental challenges...his sad paranoia is back full blast and it's as always, sad to behold and tough to endure. I'd naively hoped that he might get past those particular behaviors after his last stroke. The reality is that his age and condition will continue to plague him and we just have to help get him through it.

Another tough reality is the ongoing heartbreak for the families of those lost West Virginia miners. The last of the bodies were found and the miracle the families had hoped for was not to be. Coal mining has been the way of life for many West Virginians and while this was the worst in 40 years, these tragic outcomes are way too familiar. Both sides of my family tree have many members who were and are West Virginia coal miners. My grandfather was a coal miner and he succumbed to black lung from the mines at too young an age. My heart goes out to the families of the miners.

Living here in Kansas City, I'm all too aware of the Westboro Baptist Church in nearby Topeka and it's followers. Sure enough, they wasted no time in picketing the WV Capitol with their hate speech and signs and I fear they will do their best to soil the funerals as well. The above photo warmed my heart as it showed the true spirit of West Virginians and reminded me that no matter what, they will persevere and take care of their own.

I've not been shy in the past few months about describing my own strained relationship with the Almighty. I've railed about the unfairness of my parent's illnesses. I'm disgusted with what the Westboro Church does in the name of God. In the end, though, while my faith is shaken, it does remain. My beliefs have evolved over the years but I still believe. The person holding the sign above reminds me there is still goodness in the world.

Yesterday, I poked some fun involving various images of Jesus. I don't regret that as I've often pointed out if I didn't find the humor in life, I'd be curled up in a ball of despair. My spiritual self has been having an identity crisis but when witnessing the goodness that does exist, it finds strength anew.