Day 1817: Empty house, aching heart

Early this morning, I hugged my sons close and told them to remain hopeful and embrace the joy in life.  Their father held them tight and told them we love them.  Then they were gone.  All day I've had a huge lump in my throat, but I was able to shake off the sadness by late afternoon and tackle the mountains of towels and sheets.  There's nothing like laundry to restore normalcy to life.

All the mechanical tasks free my mind to consider the future.  What are my next steps forward?  I'm reconsidering my priorities and how to manage my time.  The events since the election and our conversations about the state of the nation over the past few days have made me think deeply about possible courses of action.  Still thinking....

For a special gift for the family,  over the last month I made a movie from sixteen years of digital photos of our adventures together.  I told them that's what they get when their mother is a sentimental sop and an historian.   The movie elicited lots of laughter, hoots and tears.  I wanted them to see how important family is, that they are deeply loved and that we will always be present for them.  I highlighted the traditions, holidays, travels, passions, friends, fun and values we share.   It's a work in progress that I can add to over the next year by going back through childhood photos.  It was a delight to produce and so much fun to share.

Our zombie family photo!