What a blustery day. You know the wind is strong, steady and howling when the stubborn Lilacs let go of their leaves. We have a wind chime in the Evergreen on the northwest corner of the house. It dinged and clanged to the point I was sure it would end up on the ground by daylight.

Yesterday was a frenzy of phone messages, text messages and emails wanting to be informed and supportive of Michael’s family. Today was a quiet day. Not even a single phone call with a political agenda. I did speak with Michael’s wife, JoAnn, this morning. Her three daughters, their husbands and five grandchildren are keeping her quite busy. In time to come the quiet will close in, reflections as she looks at aspects of their home. How could it not.

I admit I have had a nagging headache since Friday. Our bodies do not lie to us. We get busy and shove things to the back of our brains. We can exhaust ourselves cleaning house and washing laundry. We can throw ourselves into mind challenging stitch patterns. You think you are fooling yourself . . . Not! You can’t fool your body and brain. I have tomorrows yet to come to let reality sink in of the loss of Michael. Within time, that nagging headache will become a soft feeling in my heart when I think of him. I know that I will heal.

It took me an awfully long time before I could speak or think of the loss of my Dad and Mom without tears seeping down my checks. My sister Elvera was taken suddenly. No one to call and say “Do you have the recipe of Mom’s for such and such recipe?” “When are we going to check out that new quilt shop that they call The Old Alley Quilt Shop?” I am so fortunate. Many people do not have those treasures that have touched them to their core. I have had, I do have . . . my life is rich beyond measure.