I got up the other day and it just felt weird to me — surreal — like a Salvador Dali painting. I drank my coffee as my wife scurried around preparing for work. She was heading out the door and we kissed, as we always do. This time was different though. I felt compelled to give her a deep, appreciative hug. I was awash with emotion. I just wanted to cry.

After all the tragic events of the past week, I’ll be holding those who are near and dear to me a little closer.

Alan Rich, Livermore