Death and gratitude

Two weeks ago my mother-in-law Susan died after an arduous six-month struggle with lymphoma. My husband and I spent most of the month of April with her at the hospital, then at a beautiful hospice near our home. It’s been a terribly difficult, yet sweet time.
A few weeks ago Susan said, “When you can find [...]

Joy in a family visit

Dancing with my niece and nephew in the soundSpace room at the life+science museum. Every move we made was captured by cameras that played musical sounds in response.
Goofing off and getting big smiles from my baby nephew.
Walking and talking with my little sister about creativity, art, and stuckness.

Counting my blessings

I’m grateful for recently reconnecting with three friends;
for the ease and speed with which I was able to arrange four literary readings and two family gatherings this week;
and for the return of the sun after five steady days of rain.

Small moments

My four-year-old niece sent me her first e-mail (with help from my sister). Red and purple are her favorite colors, and she likes the “my little ponies” named Wisteria and Rainbow Dash.
The wasp that was flying precariously close to my head finally climbed onto a piece of paper and let me take her outside.
Basho’s poem [...]

People I miss

My grandfather, who helped raise me until I was two. He used to make me laugh by saying “Holy mackerel, kingfish!” over and over again, eyebrows waggling. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to speak with him just before he died two weeks ago and say “I love you” over and over again, one last [...]