Life is Sailing

It was a July fourth no one expected. Happy campers, sleeping towns. The flood waters came as a surprise in the night. Lives were cut short, beautiful lives beginning to blossom. Experienced lives were ended. The shock, the sorrow, the waiting, the grief, the loss, the utter devastation. My heart aches with my fellow Texans. I am so sorry for your loss.

I wish I could give you a hug, make you a meal, cry with you, help clean up with you. For now, I send you this picture of a Japanese cherry blossom, a symbol of hope and peace. I pray for your families every day and for your communities, for people visiting the area from out of state as well. I know there was at least one little girl at Camp Mystic who was from a different state. I know there are people throughout our country and all over the world who mourn with you.

The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet, a stately, hearty lupine. Many families in Texas take their yearly photos in the midst of blue swept fields. I did not realize until recently that the bluebonnet stands for bravery and admiration and symbolizes sacrifice, according to some websites. It is a flower that can grow in harsh conditions. May this hearty bravery lead you through these difficult days, Texas. You are not alone.

Cherry blossom symbolism: https://symbolismandmetaphor.com/cherry-blossom-meaning-symbolism/