Sanctuary

The last week was filled with the type of madness that you think only happens in the news or Law and Order until it happens to someone you love. I was searching for a poetic or prosaic way to say all of this, but there's really nothing poetic about it. On Saturday my step children's grandmother and my friend Tammy Bohrer was shot and killed at work by a disgruntled customer who then went outside and shot herself. The days after were spent in tears and trying to make sense out of something that is truly senseless. I reverted to the comfort of my bed (she told me that she considered me her daughter-in-law and was immediately warm and kind to me), the kids tried to stay busy, my husband (she was his deceased wife Tara's mother) wandered around in a state of shock.

This is a woman who, more than anyone I have ever known, was at a joyful, peaceful spot in her life. She loved God and wasn't afraid to tell anyone that she did. She was truly, completely sober for the first time in her life. She had met and fallen deeply in love with her husband of 1 1/2 years. She talked about life, her grandchildren, love, everything with the most spectacularly beautiful glow and smile on her face.

Her funeral was beautiful. Her son Tom talked about savoring everyone and every moment and leaving pettiness and anger behind as you really never know when God will bring you home. And the ministers, her father-in-law and stepdad, both talked about the glory of heaven and the radiance that she is living in with Tara, her daughter who she missed so deeply and viscerally. Rather than leaving more broken than healed, everyone left uplifted with a sense of the true blessing that God allowed Tammy, a place in His kingdom.

Yesterday was the first day that felt at all normal again. The picture above is from a trip to the waterfall at Griggs Reservoir, a sanctuary in the middle of suburban Columbus. Climb down a few stairs, follow a startlingly beautiful path, and the roar creeps up on you, the spray cools on a hot day, naked toes can wade in a rocky stream, and little four-year-old boys can throw rocks with a "plop" into clear waters. A magical spot for much needed sanctuary.

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