this is love

How do you celebrate amid grief and worry? 

We did, last week, sisters and nieces and assorted family. Some were unable to join due to work, but the rest of us traveled across states and borders and storms and troubling times to find a bright sliver of hope being together, laughing, bickering, snacking, thrift shopping, remembering.

We celebrated a dear one's victory over a serious illness, and mourned the departure of one less fortunate. We visited my mother's grave, weeping and sipping her beloved diet Dr. Pepper. 

One family member baked the tenderest of cookies, another gifted hand-sewn baskets, others created a space that was gorgeously luxurious.

We did not grow up saying I love you in words and even though now we do, I also know: this is love