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Yesterday morning i called my sister and parents. My sister was both furious and sad about the death of Alice, my parents' dog, worried about leaving her children in my parents' care in some months when she plans to travel, distraught over what she could tell her children. My father wrestled with guilt all night and found his way to experiencing forgiveness, but still in pain. My mother was all stoic and locked up.

I went to Meeting and meditated on the solstice, on my association with the season to the "gift of courage." ( Read more... )

A post apocalyptic short story i listened to recently, http://escapepod.org/2010/12/23/ep272-christmas-wedding/, addresses this issue of courage -- resiliency -- in a beautiful way. Given your choice of apocalyptic tragedy, if you survive, move on to joy.

After Meeting, i heard from Christine that my brother's wife had miscarried, and that my brother was burying his son Jonah yesterday.

I would have been there for him, but i wonder if he wants to protect his Muslim family from mistakes made by those of us who do not practice.

Instead, Christine and i drove Josie the Jeep to the city and picked up my aunt and her husband, and we bounced around the city and the Marin Headlands, showing them the beauty of the landscape. It was very pleasant and delightful to see family after this week.

I'm not ready for the work week. Laundry! Vacuuming! Oh, whatever.