in honor of an amazing woman

"In every day of your life, there are opportunities to perform little kindnesses for others, both by conscious acts of will and unconscious example. Each smallest act of kindness - even just words of hope when they are needed - reverberates across great distances and spans of time, affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit was the source of this good echo...

When faced with the end of one thing, we must build something new and better in the ashes, just as from pain and grief, we must weave hope, for each of us is a thread critical to the strength - to the very survival of - the human tapestry. Every hour in every life contains such often-unrecognized potential to affect the world that the great days for which we, in our dissatisfaction, so often yearn are already with us; all great days and thrilling possibilities are combined always in this momentous day."

Today, please keep the Lyons family in your prayers. Though I've never met Julie or her family, the example of faith and love and grace they've displayed in sharing their journey online has touched my heart deeply, as I know it has so many others, as well.

(quote above from From the Corner of His Eye, by Dean Koontz)