A Moment of Silence and Recognition

I learned of a tragedy today.

And it is unfair, patently unfair, that the world will not stop turning, that the universe will go spiraling on without pausing for even a moment to recognize this loss. But time marches inexorably on, doesn't it? Uncaring and unheeding of the need for sympathy or even for a mere nod of recognition to heartbreak. The fact remains that two children must now grow up without a father, and reality is too cruel to stop and mourn with them. Eternity lumbers on and the trials and concerns of humanity are worth not so much as an eye-blink to her.

So what do we do in the face of such horrific sorrow and relentless apathy?

We must remember for those that are helpless to remember on their own, and a corner of existence, no matter how small, must be handled and stopped and forced to slow down and acknowledge suffering by those strong enough to grab it and rein it in. A man's existence should not have been in vain; he must be allowed to reach on after he is gone, his touch must remain on the lives of those who most need its impact.

We are a species subjected to irrational tragedy and boundless sorrow, but also gifted with a limtless capacity to memorialize and to love. And only love, strong and unwavering and fearless and honest, can hope to stare down and fill the void.