Checking in at the Solstice

...on this shortest day of the year. At least it will start getting lighter each day. That may be the only positive thing to say about this particular all-too-short daytime in the 365-day calendar.

But. of course, that is a petty complaint from someone who is most grateful for the blessings she has. So as I take a moment to check in while my Illinois family occupies my brain space and I wrestle with some painful emotions, I want also to say this: Whatever else sits heavily on our shoulders, personally and globally, it is appropriate, I believe, to recognize the love, friendships, blessings of the season and to allow the lights of the trees, outdoor and in, to lighten any gloom that crowds out life's lovely moments. 

I am thinking of my nieces and nephew, and my brother and all of their families as we all await the last step of life's staircase that my sister has climbed.