I held my closest friend this week at her mother’s funeral
Part of a group suffering something so precious, a mother’s love
We were all vulnerable together, at the chapel, one of God’s many houses
The light streamed through the painted glass windows, a holy presence
We were all at home with one another, even the ones who didn’t know each other that well

Life asks us to be strong

I am a surfer, riding a great wave
Dipping in and out, and sometimes I land on my ass
I have learned to laugh, because life is a carnival (Celia Cruz)
And then I try to remember, I am where I’m supposed to be

Life asks us to be strong

When I look out into the world
I send it love and kindness
I look onto strangers with care and joy
Not only because I want to give love
But because each person is beautiful, exactly as they are