I have to start filtering out. Or do I? Should I? I don't agree with myself on this, because on one level I need to protect myself from the evil, the horror, the monstrosities. It's been affecting my sleep, his face pops up on my retina when I close my eyes, I let my fantasy go and imagine that I was there, in the midst of the worst horror film ever, and it was REAL. IT HAPPENED. And then I start feeling naive, and a bit hypocritical, because horrible and heartbreaking things happen all over the world, all the time. Without much attention.

And then, when I decide to filter it out, to think happy thoughts, to not go online and read the news every five minutes, I feel like such an ego. I think about all the people, the parents, the siblings, the friends, in my country right now, who cannot choose to push it away like I can. Who live the nightmare all the time. Who can't just close their computer and do something else, for a break.

But now, in my world, things are getting better. She's home. My mama-heart exhales in relief, we are together, my family is secure.

And lo! Our pack has expanded! Meet Boo, our new best friend.

See any similarities?