Your Joy is Your Sorrow Unmasked

"Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you are joyous, look deeply into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

Kahlil Gibran


Dear Mom.

It has been one year since you left us. I miss you so much, Mom. I feel your presence daily, but mourn the loss of your physical presence. I can still hear your voice, I can smell the way you smelled, but you are not here.

Your kids are doing alright. We made pizza this year for Christmas. Honestly, Mom, it was not the same with out you, but we did the cheer in your honor. Silas said he saw you sitting there smiling at us.

I'm still waiting for you to come and freak me out. Mom, you were supposed to communicate with me. Are you and I am not still enough to hear it? I want to see you towering above me as a giant angel. A goddess, glowing and covered with light, emanating the most fantastic sounds and smells. I know you and I know you and I know you.

Mom, we elected our first biracial president! Bush is gone, Mom. Isn't that excellent? I know you'd have been ecstatic about that.

your loving daughter