Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow over Tuesday's stunning tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are no longer with us, and our heartfelt sympathies are with their families and friends.

It has been three days since our world changed forever. I continue to listen to the news, read the reports, talk to friends, go to the vigils, and I find myself moving in an odd and awkward space between despair and hope. The despair is obvious. But why the hope?

No doubt, this is a time of great sorrow for all of us. But now, more than ever, it is important for us to realize that even amidst this horrifying tragedy, there is still good in the world -- people are performing acts of great heroism, giving blood, showing sincere concern and compassion for one another, reaching out and reconnecting with family, friends and communities, and bridging divides to find peaceful resolutions.

GoodThings and the GoodLetter exist because we believe that it's important for people to know that constructive actions DO take place in the world. We're not blind to the imperfections around us, but we do think it's valuable for all of us to take the time to see that amidst the tragedy and suffering that invariably exists, hope STILL perseveres. So, over the course of the next few days, weeks and months, we at GoodThings will do our best -- mindfully and respectfully -- to find the hopeful stories of human connection, compassion and strength that will undoubtedly surface from this monumental tragedy.

We encourage all 50,000 of you around the world to join us as a human family in this pursuit and share your sympathies, your stories, and your thoughts with us and with one another. It's an opportunity for all of us (most of whom so desperately want to be out there doing something to help those in need) to come together and begin the long process of healing.

With love and a hope for peace,

Barcy Fisher (e-mail us)
Founder and CEO, GoodThings, Inc.