Let the album play, enjoy it.

Writing leaves out so many things.

And so I stop and think,

 frozen in elaboration.

Words manifesting and feelings folding.

I want you to know how special you are.

Lightning strikes again, and a million moments flash through my thoughts.

                                                          

“Old stories are like old friends, she used to say. You have to visit them from time to time.” ― George R.R. Martin

                                                          

Touching and embracing on the shores of the Potomac river.

Watching you drive away.

Arriving when you don't expect it, with gifts that you don't know about.

Camped outside the canyon, our shoes frozen over.

Seeing the sunset in Sedona.

Hearing how you saw castles from fairy tales.

You did so much, and I could feel the joy of the experience.

I could feel that growth.

                                                          

“Ah, the outdoors,' Shallan said. 'I visited that mythical place once.” 
― Brandon Sanderson

                                                          

Kindness and love.

Caring for animals.

Friends without voices, like words without structure.

Intention without explanation. 

Meaning in eyes, portals to language beyond.
                                                          

“Words are where most change begins.” 
― Brandon Sanderson

                                                          

Sudden outbursts of emotion.

I remember you calling, and crying.

The feeling of letting go and moving forward.

The feeling of fear.

The day after the release.

                                                          

“A bruise is a lesson... and each lesson makes us better.” 
― George R.R. Martin

                                                          

I sat with your father for breakfast.

The dim light of the sun rising behind trees and the cold dew of the ashram grounds.

We talked, and the conversation wandered.

It became serious, and we wondered about deep subjects.

It trailed and whirled. 

I told him how much you loved him.

How much you respected and cared for him.

I watched him cry for just a moment.

I felt so happy to be able to say that to him.

                                                          

“What is honor compared to a woman's love? 
What is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms . . . 
or the memory of a brother's smile?
 Wind and words. Wind and words. 
We are only human, and the gods have fashioned us for love. 
That is our great glory, and our great tragedy.” 
― George R.R. Martin