The thought of taking care of people and ‘things’ re-entered consciousness as CNN first reported last night on the Whitney Houston autopsy. The immediacy of news reporting is often overwhelming. But, therein lies the dilemma for a news junkie…conflicted in solving the problem or solving the challenge. Or maybe it is just a voyeuristic expedition for knowledge.

In a quest to find what we can do to protect and love, I found an interesting and enlightening article written by Sara Chana Radcliffe where she states, “Love flourishes in an atmosphere of respect and concern.” I love that. But, this article is written in a perspective of marriage and ‘connected relationships.’ That one sentence really struck me as true and impeccable. It touched me and wanted to share. But, I was looking for something in a broader sense and a slightly different direction.

We relish our friends’ company, we are entertained by entertainers that we don’t personally know, and we are comforted by those most close to us. But, can we really protect somebody from self-harm? Now, in self-doubt, I question if the phrase ‘protect and love’ is the right thing. Maybe it’s an ego blown out of proportion in thinking that you can save people. Bound by social confines of mores, ethics, symbolism, behaviors and actions. Maybe it is a chance to figure it out; to figure out a solution.

Protect and love not blame.