Way back in September when the ache of horrible things were still throbbingly-fresh in our minds, a friend told me about a conversation she had with her daughter.

"Will terrible things happen now, Mommy?" the eight year old girl asked her mother.

"No, dear," the mother answered in that automatic response parents sometimes use when trying to comfort their children. "Nothing terrible will happen."

"Really, Mom," the eight year old persisted, for she was too bright to be so easily fooled. "I want to know. Will more terrible things happen?"

Her mother was thoughtful for a moment and then she said "Yes. I think some terrible things will happen. And I think some beautiful things will happen, too."

"Oh," said the very wise eight year old girl. "Then tomorrow will be just like yesterday."

*****

As I write this I am still sleep deprived from the early-morning Leonid meteor shower extravaganza. John and I ventured out into the frigid black morning. The first thing I noticed was the crystal clear night sky and the thousands of stars that seemed to hang in the naked trees like Christmas lights. And then I saw the meteors: Flashes of light that streaked over our heads, in front of our eyes, all around us. We woke the kids, bundled them in blankets and held them against us as the stars put on their 360° light show. Later we sat together, huddled under our blankets on the porch and watched the meteors make their graceful swan dive exit.

We sat there silent with awe and wonder. No one fidgeted, pinched or pulled hair. No one complained about the state of the world or the lack of leadership in the State House. No one even whined about the cold. No one worried about the deadline, the budget or the dirty dishes in the sink. And for a little while I didn't even think about the smoldering hole in my native city or the gaping one in our humanity. I didn't think about the fear that has become my daily companion. We sat there in that moment, my family and I—and maybe millions of other people—perfectly content.

And all it took was a little miracle of nature.

*****

Terrible things will happen. And beautiful things too.

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