Hard

Today was hard.

Harder than I wanted it to be.

Harder than I thought it would be.

It ended with a decision I hope was the right one—

a decision whose outcome we won’t fully understand for months, maybe even years.

I’ve been sitting with the weight of it.

The emotions.

The ache of knowing that someone I value and respect deeply is carrying this in ways I will never fully see or understand.

And that hurts.

Partway through the day, I received a text:

Thank you for your hard work and compassionate leadership.

This is hard work and I appreciate you.

It didn’t make the decision easier.

It didn’t lighten the weight

I’m still carrying tonight.

But it reminded me that the heart I bring to this work is visible.

That the care, the love, and the logic I bring to the table matter.

Even when the outcome is uncertain.

Tomorrow is a new day.

New challenges.

Uncomfortable rooms to step into.

Difficult conversations to have.

And I will show up like I always do—

With courage.

And care.