Day 135: "There are wolves in the world."

Today, four officers were shot to death in my college town of Parkland. They were sitting in a coffee shop together before their shift started, and a man came in, shot them and fled. I don't know any of these men, and yet, my heart is still hurting. Because just because I don't know them doesn't mean that they didn't mean the world to a lot of people. They were ambushed and murdered, and it shakes a part of my being to be reminded that there really are people that cruel and heartless in this world. To borrow a quote from Leverage, "there are wolves in the world."

I live about 3,000 miles away from Parkland, WA now. So while I wish I could go around thanking every Pierce County, Tacoma and Lakewood police officer, I am unable to. But what I can do is thank ever other cop that I come in contact with. They really are the people we thank the least.

I was texting with Kelli about the event today, and I decided that whenever I meet a cop in a coffee shop, his coffee and/or pastries are on me. It's really the least I could do. And Kelli is doing it too.

I would encourage everyone to thank police officers whenever they see them. At the very least, say hi. They don't really get the gratitude they deserve.

So, today, I am grateful for:

• the men and women who put their lives on the line so that I can live a normal, safe day to day life.
• anyone and everyone who has opted for a job or a volunteer position that puts their life on the line.
• Christmas Village in Philly. It's so damn cute and so cheery. And the world could use a little more cheer today.
• the amazing couple from Puerto Rico/New York that I met today who make so much amazing art.
• the safety of myself and my loved ones.

Pass the love along.