Gathering

Familiar faces and less familiar. Gathering from Colorado, Scotland, and places round Southern California. We were here last year. Things have happened since. Good things and not so good things. Miracles and blessings, for those with eyes to see them. We sport new scars and lines, but where some lines have deepened, others have filled in as if one of these anti ageing potions really did work. Some pains we share; some pains we bear. Joy can't be contained, though. The joy of new life, born since last year. The joy of new experiences shared, of academic success achieved, of professional breakthrough attained, of relationships deepened. Conversation flows, encompassing memories of those no longer here, of places no longer owned.
Thanksgiving. A day to treasure in its simplicity. I am very grateful to be embraced by the wider family, included as one of their own. As Tiny Tim prays, God bless us every one!