Listen, I assure you, this isn't a political post. If you soon realize our ideological viewpoints oppose each other, I ask you to stick with me anyway. Please and thank you.

I attended two protests on Saturday. This level of political zeal is new to me but I had to go and make my voice heard. I never expected to feel so exhilarated and inspired. A profound sense of camaraderie, shared purpose and cooperation despite the throngs of people and aggravating traffic gave me more hope than I have felt in a long time. 

As the day wore on, however, I became increasingly uneasy. I couldn't shake the feeling that despite the joy and connection I experienced, I was still disconnected from a good chunk of family, friends and country and certainly no closer to a solution. 

For the love of all things good and holy, how will we ever bridge this divide? I ponder this question incessantly and I admit I have absolutely no clue, friends. No clue, at all. But, wait.....

I got to thinking of my cousin's grandson, Lincoln. I guess the correct verbiage is that he is my first cousin twice removed. Earlier in the year and after nearly a year's wait in the hospital on a Berlin Heart pump, Lincoln received a donor heart. If you are looking for some daily bread, click the link below. This is the trek home from Boston Children's Hospital that Lincoln, his brave sister Hailey and resilient parents Ashley and Mike made twelve days after receiving the greatest gift they will ever know. Turn your speakers on. Maybe grab a Kleenex.

Coming Home

Do you see what I see in this video? It is palpable and unmistakable---an army of souls came together to celebrate, support and lovingly escort a young family that found itself on an unexpected round trip to hell and back, home. And I am certain that not one of these cheerleaders had red, blue, left or right on their mind. Every single time my Grinch-y heart needs to expand, this ninety second video does the trick. Truly. 

We can keep spinning our wheels and go nowhere or we can come together despite our differences and tip the scales with gestures of palpable and unmistakable LOVE like the ones bestowed on Lincoln and his family. Yes, I will attend more rallies. I can't not. But more importantly, I'm going to keep looking out for the ways I can do what these medical personnel, first responders, friends and family did for Lincoln on a hope-filled spring day earlier this year with whoever will have me. They exemplified the only possible answer to this conundrum we find ourselves up against. 

Love. The answer is always, always, always LOVE.

In every walk of life and on every corner of creation, may the love that unites us be stronger than the fear that divides us. 

Amen. And so be it.

Crystal 

Ashley has created the non-profit Love from Lincoln/Hope from Hailey so that she can be a light for families facing pediatric heart transplant. You can find and support her good work on Facebook and Instagram.

Lincoln's story shared with permission.