The sand in the surf of the ocean can never go back to where it was before it met the wave. But that doesn't mean it's not still sand in the surf of the ocean. If there's one thing I remind myself of to help get through things, it's that life is a series of waves. Some waves are going to be horrible - they may nearly drown me - and other waves are going to be smaller, and deceptively devastating. And others still may barely have an impact, and hell, maybe I'll even enjoy some. For me, it's the visual of it all being waves that helps me get through. Just like a wave, I know this feeling will pass. And that's helpful when it's painful because I have told myself for years that I can endure just about anything if I know it won't last forever. It's also helpful when it's a joyful wave because it makes me cherish each moment of it as a gift. In both the good ways and bad, I will most assuredly be different after each wave passes. And, call it o