It's funny, isn't it??

How life goes on, even when you're sad.

How you still answer "Fine." when strangers ask "How are you today?"

How around every corner perspective waits to teach you a little something. Everybody has a story. Tragedy and grief are universal - as are love and joy. It's what makes us human. Resilience is what keeps us sane.

The new neighbors behind us just got a new puppy. Cute little bugger. But their joy has been tempered because the day they moved into their new home, the lady of the house had a stroke. She is 27 years old and though they hope for a complete recovery, today she is walking around missing a significant part of her skull while reveling in the adoration of a new pup.

Perspective.

Other friends have been going through and dealing with situations far more dire than my own. Some things so sad, I can barely imagine what their pain is like. And yet they too have reached out to console me in my grief.

And that humbles me.

Today I am going to count my blessings and be thankful. Life is pretty dang good - even when we can't quite see our way clear of the "downs" that invariably follow the "ups."

And when the next stranger asks me, "How are you today?" I will answer, "Fine." And mean it.