We are reminded that there is true evil in the world. Yes, there is also much good in this world, far more good than evil. But evil does exist. It can strike when least expected. In its aftermath, we are saddened and numb. We mourn, we weep for the lives prematurely cut short and for the families with irrevocable loss.

And even if we do not personally know any of the victims, we also feel loss. For those of us of a certain generation, the feeling of loss was compounded by the sudden unexpected death of singer-songwriter Tom Petty of cardiac arrest at age 66. The confluence of events reminds us that life is short and can end unexpectedly. Our time on earth is fleeting. As John Lennon once said shortly before his own unexpected death, " Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

This day is all that we have; we are not promised tomorrow. And one day, there will be no tomorrow for every one of us.

So let us make the most of our day: Help another person; give your time and your talents; set an honest example for others; be a candle in the darkness; help make your corner of the world a little better and a little brighter.

We may not be able to snuff out evil completely, but together as like-minded caring people we create a strong fabric of love in this world that evil cannot overcome. Every life matters; live yours to its fullest.