It's funny how everything in your life seems to be flowing like a steady stream and then out of nowhere somebody drops a rock into your world and the ensuing ripples seem relentless.

There isn't much branching in the tree of responsibilities of my job. It's covering people and sports, trying to paint a picture and hopefully providing pictures worth a thousand words. Rarely does it take an insurmountable toll on me. Typically it is the spine that keeps me sitting up straight.

From some half-crazed kid putting a knife into one of the hardest working good ole boys I have ever met to a cocky, scrawny local tire salesmen, a select few have turned my life completely upside down the last week.

I prayed today at length through seemingly never-ending tears for the strength just to make it to tomorrow and to get the hate for the "ripples" out of my head. Heck, "ripples?" They feel more like tidal waves crashing into my temple, constantly eroding what once was solid with love and life into sediments of regret and pain.

Luckily I am provided with that base of sports to fall back on. Covering games at schools in Bedford County isn't just writing down some numbers and whipping out the camera. It's a chance to hug friends, shake hands with my brothers and forget about life for a few hours. I wish everyone had such an outlet to smile instead of completely ruining the lives of others.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.