Japan a tribute a reminder a lack of words

I struggled all day with what to blog about. I had great plans to write a fashion post. Something fun and beach-y. Or maybe about the gluten free donuts I made. Or my latest shopping finds on Etsy.

But I couldn't.

How can I?

I dig my toes into the sand today enjoying the warmth. 

They have sand in their homes, their businesses, over their family and friends.

I listen to the lulling of the waves as they gently break on the shore.

I imagine the fierce roar of a wall of water hurling towards shore bringing destruction to everything in its path.

I hear my girls giggle and laugh as they jump over the next breaker.

They screamed in terror as a wave rushed towards them.

 What were they doing when it hit?

Were their children collecting shells along the shoreline?

It's almost too much to comprehend.

I add my own pictures, NOT to lighten the tragedy...but because I am struck by the sharp contrast. Their world. My life. And I'm not sure what to do with it.

The irony of all those around me who have flocked to Florida to enjoy the sand and sea with their families. The same sand and sea that has wrought mass destruction on a country...on people, like us.

Too much. My heart hurts.

So what do we do?

Do we stop enjoying the pleasures in front of us? Does that make us insensitive?

What can we do?

Then my daughter finds this.

That one tiny shell in the shape of a heart. In MY heart it instilled hope. 

So for now, I'm not going to talk about the latest fashion, or the coolest finds on Etsy...but I am going to think on that HOPE. What does it mean for the Japanese. What does it mean for me. And how am I going to respond.

How will you respond?