I love sunsets. When I am at home and I notice the sun setting, I drop everything and sit outside and observe. I hear the sounds of nature, watch the birds swoop near the yard, and take in the of contrast of light and dark across trees, mountains, and land. I love sunsets.

But tonight I am thinking of all the children who have been separated from their parents at the border. And I am thinking of watching the horror on the news while knowing it is happening in my own backyard. And I am remembering all the children I have encountered who have made this difficult journey with their parents…the ones that came before the threat of separation. I can see their faces, smell their bodies, and see their sweet smiles that betray a hope that won’t die. They are lovable as all humans. Perhaps even more because of the journey they have survived…

And I wonder if all the rallies, press conferences, letters to politicians, marches, and blog posts will make a difference soon enough. We are doing everything we can today. We are crying out with all our breath, and protesting with every footstep. Tomorrow we will vote…but today is urgent and so we move and do what we can to change this horror of children being ripped away from their parents.

Sunset is coming soon. And for all it’s beauty, it has a dark edge. For us now, that darkness is the possibility of a tender little heart being broken beyond repair. Who will hear their cries? Who will bring them back to the only ones who can comfort them: mama and papa? Who will stop this madness of our political leaders?

Sunsets are beautiful. Unless it is setting on the God-given connection between a mother/father
and child. Then, sunsets are terror.