It’s the end of the school year for children and teachers.  Photos this week are of our grandson receiving a Little League trophy, a self-portrait, a painting with the words Love Is Love, and a camping trip with friends from his pre-school.  He couldn’t have a broader, more proud smile.  I think of our worry for him a few weeks ago, and can’t stop smiling.

It’s been a major step on the journey.  What have I learned?  Something beautiful carries us through what is tough.  I’m filled with memories of all the help I, and we, received.  And, I needed to process it, to let the tension go.  Animals know this.  They run from danger, then, when safe, pause and rest.

This morning I meditated on sadness.  At first, it was personal, and then, it expanded out into sadness for the world, and then, just sadness.  The fog is in.  The redwood tree waves its branches gently, fanning the air I breathe.

Gratitude is a wreath around me, and I’m the eye, an I that is not separate, is one with beauty, balance, and fear, all strengthened as one.