down days

I have been feeling down since the news of Jack Layton's passing. I really felt a connection to his leadership and vision. I am sad to see him pass without that vision coming to parliament.

They say things come in 3's. My bad news week came in 4. Does this mean 2 more to come? The bad news that came were not things that directly affect me, but felt close none the less.

1. Jack's passing was a sad moment for Canada and I felt the sting.
2. First Air plane crash. I didn't know anyone on the flight, nor the community it was heading to, but that was my mode of travel for many years and I know how the loss of 12 people can affect a small Northern community. It still felt close to home even after being gone from the North for a while now.
3. Tornado hitting Goderich. This again was not my home community, but it was close. I feel for the people of that community as they start to rebuild.
4. A favorite Professor from my BEd days has taken the year off due to complications with cancer. We had recently been in contact as I was helping him with a small project for his class this fall and he was working with me to decide if I would apply for my PhD/EDd for the 2012 year. He is an inspiring person and it is tough to see him out of his realm for even a semester.

Here is hoping inspiring things come from the devastation. We can take the vision of a great leader lost and keep his momentum. We can take the mourning of a small community and learn what family can really mean. We can see how people come together to rebuild a community in ruins. Finally we can see what courage looks like as a person takes time for personal healing.