A little over a year ago, my wife and I had the absolute blessing of meeting Brent, Tammy, Kota and Kassidi Hodge. Thanks to the Hodges, we also met Alece Ronzio. Each one of them left their fingerprints on our lives. Our time together (in person) has been brief, but each time it left me with a lasting memory. They are very, very special to me. Because they are special to me, I care about what they care about. I rejoice when they rejoice. I mourn when they mourn. Through Tammy and Alece, I was introduced to the remarkable story of Sara Frankl. I never met Sara. I so wish I could have, even if it was through social media.
Yesterday Tammy posted a link to this remarkable video that was put together to honor the life of Sara. I hope each of you will take 30 minutes out of your day to watch it. I am a different man after seeing it. What an amazing woman. She changed lives and people while being held captive to the 4 walls of her condo. She chose joy.
Though I am a user of social media, I have to be honest and say that, at times, I find it frustrating. I get frustrated by the flood of political rants. I get disappointed when I see it used to build a story that isn’t true or real. Yet in all that frustration, I get to see a beam of light and a glimmer of hope. I am astounded that a woman who could easily have had every reason to complain and flood social media with her pain, chose joy. She chose to lift others up. She chose to encourage. She didn’t care about statistics, followers, platform or “likes”. She cared about people. Genuinely, honestly, deeply cared about people.
My heart hurt yesterday for my friends that remembered the one year anniversary of her passing. Selfishly, I was saddened that I didn’t have the chance to meet this remarkable woman. I know I will one day. Until then, for her, for those that knew her, I will choose joy.
AARON CONRAD 