Heavy-hearted OBX Update

We had a super day today. Oklahoma did not. Our prayers are offered to those who were caught in this horror. But in reviewing my pics for the day, I find myself returning continually to the theme of how fragile life really is. Being here, on a strip of sand that is organic, ever shifting, ever defying humankind's quest for security, has that kind of impact. For the grieving and hurting, there is nothing I can say that will make it better. For the rest of us, I only offer the suggestion that we understand and respect the fragility of all life, including the lives of those we hold most precious. There are no guarantees. It is my doom to study death for a living, in so many words. The only way I can cope with its ever-present specter is to embrace life. And so I choose to post some pics...some of which meant the world to me to be able to take, as an offering, a prayer, and a gift to any who may find peace. I will give what I can to the relief efforts already underway, and I will continue to weep for the lost. But for now, here is my very humble attempt to say that life finds a way...

 We started our ramble by heading south to Bodie Island Light

 Then we drove all the way to Hatteras...the end of the road

 Laughing gulls were an arm's length away as we stood atop a dune!

 And there were grackles, of course

 Next, we drove back up to Cape Hatteras Light. Carolina Cow was so excited to see it, as she knew it was my mother's favorite. Sweet little cow. Miss you, mom.

 Speaking of sweet, we saw this little deer!

 We stopped off at Pea Island to see the egrets, and were not disappointed--life is SUCH a delicate dance. And what I wouldn't give for those wings...

 We were surprised by the Canadian content

 These geese were VERY protective of their goslings...who wouldn't be? Tears well as I contemplate shattered families in Oklahoma...

 The egret flew away, leaving the parents to tend to their young

 One cannot help but think of angels, watching these magnificent birds in flight.

 God be with those who are hurting this night

 A divine Presence, descending...

 I love the doleful look of this old turtle...

 These critters know something of survival, indeed they do.

 The red-winged blackbird was busy defending his turf, too.

We got back to our room, exhausted but very much filled with joy, only to hear today's news. As I tried to process it, I saw dolphins swimming just offshore. My heart is so full, and so broken. This is the way of it, yes? I think yes. May light perpetual shine upon the dead, and may we all find peace, each in our own way, in this troubled world.