visualization

She squeezes her eyes shut
and chants the number
she wants to roll.

rattling the die
in the blue, plastic cup

it works

she gets another yahtzee

family

gatherings
around the table

eating
games
conversations

connections
comfort
relaxation

embraces

heart

Christmas Eve stroll
around Balboa Park

We walk towards the
bundled up people
tucked away in the shadows

Bags of cookies
placed at their sides

Hot chocolate
by the tree

waiting

then...
a jingle bell
and Santa visit

magical

believe

The girls have questions
about Santa

and we shape the conversation
beyond

Like Einstein said,
"There are two ways to live your life
one is as though nothing is a miracle,
the other is as though everything is a miracle."

hope

sunrise and smiles feed hope

reflective

pensive
contemplative
thoughtful

I want to surround myself
with people who exhibit
those characteristics

journey

we connected deeply
he left us suddenly
yet we continue to learn
from him

we are being shown a way

to grieve
to honor
to celebrate
to be gracious

a journey
to the Bahamas
in our future