jen gray

9/11

8 years ago today, Mari-Rae Sopper was on her way to the University of California at Santa Barbara to begin the job of her dreams ~ the women's gymnastics coach. Mari-Rae was one of those people who created magic and positive changes wherever she went. As she boarded American Airlines Flight 77, I am certain she was filled with excitement and happiness and a billion plans in the making...And I can only imagine how quickly those emotions were shocked into confusion and fear once the terror began.

There are 100 different ways to "explain" why someone dies, and we do what we can to try and make some sense out of these horrible tragedies. But this is one I just don't get, and one that many of us still cant wrap our heads around. Im not sure we ever will.

All I know Mari-Rae,
is that you loved deeply,
and you are deeply loved.
And not even the most horrific evil can touch or destroy that kind of beauty. Ever.

I am thinking of you today Mari-Rae...I am thinking of your amazing family and friends and hoping some sense of comfort and healing and peace can find a place to land in their hearts today.

May we all be reminded to live our days like you did, with gusto, passion, courage, love and compassion...