There have been many days since Phil’s death that I was sure the sun could not possibly be shining…how dare that orb glow as if the world were right?! And then there have been other days when, unbelievably, that sun shone right on my head in the form of a blessing that was all the sweeter due to my familiarity with loss.

Meet my nephew, Miles. He was born March 22, 2009 weighing in at 5lbs 13oz and a lengthy 18.5 inches to fill in. When I see this picture my heart is warm, my eyes fill with tears, and I do feel the sun shining on his life and the life of his little family. Birth and death, the two things in this life that we are guaranteed. Funny how often we take for granted one, and are shocked and amazed by the other. But life goes on, and we are left, after the loss of someone we love, with not only a huge whole in our heart but also a larger capacity to love. We have to make the choice of course, but if we take the lessons of grief and apply them to life we often find some amazing wisdom….the little things don’t matter, really. Family moments are invaluable, make time for the kids. Celebrate things like riding without training wheels, a great grade on a test, and the first day of Spring. Forgive, and then truly forget. Kiss babies and listen to senior citizens. Bring flowers. Drink good wine. Listen to music that inspires you. And most of all, live in the moment we only get to do this once.

Welcome to the world Miles. May your life be full of love, laughter, and sunshine.