Wednesday, February 16, 2005

zen writers meet

Originally uploaded by rfin.

Our monthly meeting came at a good time for all of us. I'm finding there's nothing quite like a supportive group of writers. They're good when you're feeling great, or not so great. They share in your victories and challenges. They inspire you to write with their listening, writing, comments and questions.

I'm getting some idea of how many lives my niece touched through this memorial site. Today my wife made color copies of all the snapshots we've taken of Madeline over the years. It's remarkable just how many of our family photos document her growth from infant to sweet sixteen.

Monday, February 14, 2005

the morning breaks

the morning breaks Originally uploaded by rfin.

I've listened to Maurice Ravel's Pavane pour une Infante defunte (Pavane for a dead princess) several times in the few days following the deaths my 102-year-old grandmother-in-law and my sweet 16-year-old niece, her great granddaughter. Grandma's death was long anticipated. My niece's was not. What a contrast in age and in the anticipation of what the earthly future would be for each of these noble women.