Block parties are usually fun, social events that unite family, friends and neighbours.  I arrived at an annual block party expecting a large gathering of people engaged in boisterous conversations, laughter and good food.  To my surprise, there was an eery quietness and only a few people standing around.  The host approached me and quietly explained what had happened.  Everyone was having fun and enjoying themselves when one neighbour’s dog attacked another neighbour’s smaller dog.  Unfortunately, the smaller dog did not survive.  Distraught residents who witnessed the traumatic incident had withdrawn to their homes.  Only a handful of people remained, huddled in a circle.

The tragedy happened at the start of the evening and as time wore on, people slowly emerged from their homes.  Even the owners of the small dog emerged, who were greeted by heartfelt exchanges and tears of sadness.  It was truly a poignant moment and I could not help but feel their pain even though I had never met them before.

This is life.  When we least expect it, tragedy strikes and takes our breath away.  It feels terrible at the time, turning our stomach and world inside out.  Then somehow, some way, we find the courage to return to living.  We find a crack of light in the depths of darkness.  We find hope and reach out to friends to help ease our pain.  We allow our tears to flow very naturally.  Albert Smith once said “Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it”.  Tears are good.  Tears are healing.  Tears cleanse us from the inside out.

“What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul” – Jewish Proverb

Be thankful for the tears that flow.  Tears are an important part of being human.  Embrace your humanness today.