Growing up in Oklahoma, America’s Midwest, I saw firsthand the results of Mother Nature’s terrible might when tornadoes touched down. Entire neighborhoods were leveled, swathes of landscape flattened and lives were upended. Even as a child, while I lived in fear of these awesome and powerful monstrosities, I could appreciate the way their power was formed…by air.

Because, when you think about it, what are tornadoes but collections of air that rushes forth?

Over the past few months I have listened to dear friends tell me of the tornadoes in their lives. These tornadoes have leveled their confidence, flattened their joys and upended their hearts. But these tornadoes have not been like those I saw in Oklahoma; no, the tornadoes they spoke of were the words and actions of those around them who used the air that rushed forth from their mouths to hurt, to judge, to criticize, to gossip and to belittle.

Someday “Just friends” Will be “Best Friends”

Someday “I think highly of you” Will be “I can’t stop thinking about you”

Someday “I have to go” Will be “I don’t want you to ever leave”

Someday “I’m glad you’re in my life” Will be “I can’t imagine life without you”

Someday “We’re going in different directions" Will be “Where can we go together?”

Someday “I’m here for you” Will be “I’d give my life for you”

Someday “You’re pretty great” Will be “You’re my everything”

Someday “I admire your life” Will be “Let’s build a life together”

Someday...

-Jeremy C. Holm