January 2006: Life Renewed (cont.)

When the sadness grows too heavy to bear, I invite myself to my daughter’s home. I play a game of checkers with a nine-year-old grandson who can usually beat me. I listen to a granddaughter read. I gather lots of hugs. And I hold Chester. I look into this new little face that looks back at me so solemnly, and I am filled with gratitude.

In the midst of deepest loss, life itself is incredibly sweet.