The Night Before

I captured this sunset on Poʻipū Beach, mesmerized as the sky seemed to catch fire and the last light of day spilled across the water. I stood there completely present to its beauty, unaware of what the next morning would bring.

Less than 24 hours later, Ipo, the senior dog I was caring for while visiting Kauaʻi, suddenly became seriously ill with neurological symptoms. In an instant, my plans for exploring the island were replaced by staying close to her and helping her walk, watching over her, and simply being present.

Looking back, this photograph means something different to me now.

It reminds me how little we know about what tomorrow holds. How beauty and difficulty can exist within hours of one another and how sometimes life gives us a spectacular sunset without telling us that we may need to carry a little of its light into the day that follows.

I thought I was simply photographing a beautiful Kauaʻi sunset.

Now I see that I was capturing a reminder:

When beauty appears, stop and witness it. Tomorrow is never promised to look like today.