My sister's husband (my brother-in-law) died suddenly on November 19: a massive heart attack without warning at age 52. Leaving three children (ages 10 to 18) and his 47-year old wife, the realization of life before and life after Tom has hit everyone he touched like a ton of bricks.
While I won't deny my brother-in-law and I did not agree on most political issues, we did agree on a few. At the end of the day, that is what really matters: agreement, finding a middle ground...achieving a Yin-Yang balance.
The days ahead won't be easy for my sister, her children or my family. The entire family dynamic has changed forever, that's just reality. I know inherently, given the strength of the human body and spirit, that each day will get a little better and easier for my sister, and everyone impacted by the loss for that matter. This is how humans have always endured the worst life tragedies.
What I also know is that while politics are important on many levels and they do impact people at the national, state and local levels, it's never a smart bet to make it all about the politics because life is messy and it does get in the way.
So with this cliche in mind, I challenge everyone who reads this post to make it about family, friends, and giving during the holidays, no matter the party line ;-)
