This evening as my Aub and I gathered together in a circle of 100 or more people gathered at the Vigil, I looked down in the midst of the singing, and I saw this leaf there on the ground in front of me. It intrigued me and comforted me. As prayers were said for the one inside the building hidden by the woods, awaiting to know if her life was about to end or not, I focused my heart on the prayer and my eyes on the leaf. As prayers were said for the ones who know and love her and would grieve for her both inside and outside of the building with the bars, I focused my heart on the prayer and my eyes on the leaf.
At first I thought it was a cross, but as I looked a little longer, I realized it was a dove. Of peace.
And my heart and soul breathed a sigh of release.
And a prayer for grace and mercy.
Tonight I am thankful for a life that is still being lived, a story still being told, and for the souls who shared their stories and hopes with us as we stood in the cold and hoped and prayed and laughed and cried together. I am thankful for weather delays and cloudy medicines and the chance that hearts could still be changed and justice and mercy can go hand in hand to continue the life of one who cares, who has saved lives herself, and who has told folks they were better than their circumstances. Of one who loves.
As for what tomorrow will bring, I focus my heart on the prayers and my eyes on the dove. On peace. And grace. And mercy.
And I know that whatever story comes next, in the end, Love Wins. It just has to.
Love to all.
Other Thoughts: The Sanctity of Life and the Miracle of Grace
P
I Might Need A Nap 
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