Two events have affected me more than any others in my life. The first was becoming pregnant, feeling a living being developing inside me, and beginning to transition into the role of mother. The second was losing a parent. I experienced both in 2017.
”For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.”
—Carl Sagan
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“Never wish them pain. That’s not who you are. If they caused you pain, they must have pain inside. Wish them healing. That’s what they need.”
—Najwa Zebian
With the holiday season well underway, I’ve been thinking a lot about family and community. I had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving with family, as I’ve always been lucky enough to do. While I was so grateful to be surrounded by my mom, aunt, cousins, and husband, the absence of my father and uncle were palpable — it was our first Thanksgiving without them. Spending these last few days at my parents’ house, it seems as though everywhere I look, I’m reminded of my dad. It’s as if I can still see him sitting in his favorite chair and hear exactly what he would say in response to just about every situation.
“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.”
— Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
