Pain. Confusion. Empathy. Breonna.

I feel like a sense of confusion and being punched in the gut for our country - I am not certain what words to describe it (yet), but I certainly don't see this as a positive step forward to heal. What was right is now wrong, what was up is now down, etc...The truth seems even harder to find and trust. Too many names lost for senseless acts that only build a platform that is similar to compound interest that will mount in time, but mount to what?

While today's outcome is infuriating, I feel even more empathy and pain for Breonna's parents/family. Losing a child is incredibly hard. They will always live with this mentally/emotionally/socially, but it may be an ongoing perpetual event as they will be compensated $12M for their actions. My guess is that the state doesn't just have $12M to give all at once. Therefore, do they deliver it in installments? Those periodic payments will not resolve the core issues, their questions, or their grief. Ultimately, it may only reinforce her loss with each payment received. That does not feel like a sense of peace as they try to move forward.

I also wonder what depth of strength and character must arise from within my colleagues who are hurting. How do you focus given everything we have already encountered this year and now this? Where does your internal motivation come from to make it through the day? Will you have enough strength to endure or when do you need a hand to lift you up? Will the impacts of this surface to your mental health, physical health, social relationships, and emotional well being?

What else is coming in 2020? November elections...make your vote count for what is important.

#INThisTogether