"Brother, Let Me Be Your Shelter."

What a mixed bag of emotions yesterday turned out to be. I spent most of the day enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood and our sneak preview of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I was able to catch up with my own lovely Dora, Janeth Paris. And I laughed and joked and enjoyed the company of my husband and fifteen of our amazing friends.

And then came the news that Eric Klimt had fallen and was killed during a climb at Zion National Park. And the world was suddenly a little darker, a little sadder, and a little less for having lost him.

But in the light of the new day, I understand that losing Eric is a consequence of knowing and caring about him. And what would be the alternative, to go through life closed off to the greatness that other people bring?

Nope. I will continue to be joyful that other people walk into my life (literally, with Eric, as he walked over from a neighboring campsite). I will remain grateful for the immeasurable ways they enrich this world. And when our time together has passed, I will rely on the strength of friends as I remember, as I grieve, and as I continue in this world without you.

Life is a very good thing, indeed. Surround yourself with those who feel the same way and enjoy this journey.

Ramblers in the wilderness
Yeah we can't find what we need
We get a little restless from the searching
Get a little worn down in between

Like a bull chasing a matador
is man left to his own schemes
But everybody needs someone beside ‘em
Shining like a lighthouse from the sea

Brother let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call when you're low
Brother let me be your fortress
when the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

Face down in the desert now
There's a cage locked around my heart
I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were
now my hands can't reach that far

I ain't made for a rivalry
I could never take the world alone
I know that in my weakness I am strong
but it's your love that brings me home

Brother let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call when you're low
Brother let me be your fortress
when the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home

And when you call
And need me near
Say it when you go
Brother I’m right here

And on those days
When the sky begins to fall
You’re the blood of my blood
We can get through it all

Brother let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call when you're low
Brother let me be your fortress
when the night winds are driving on
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home
Be the one to light the way
Bring you home