A lovely midwinter day, blue sky broken by high clouds. Cold, with the temperature hovering around -1 F and the wind chill far below zero. The deep snow cover enhances radiational cooling while protecting plants and underground infrastructure. Still, new pot holes appear in road surfaces daily.
It is New Years Eve. Now ten days have passed since the solstice and the light is noticeably stronger and the days longer. New Years acknowledges and celebrates these visible, and felt, changes. This year the cold has settled in with renewed fierceness, giving emphasis to the adage, “The days lengthen and the cold strengthens.”
A few days ago Jennie and I joined friends to celebrate the life of a treasured friend who died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. She was an artist of great skill and creativity, and a person who brought much light to the world. She will be sorely missed by many.
The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon at the synagogue. At some point during the service I noticed that the synagogue was filled with spirits. I’ve not been one who notices spirits readily when not trying, so I felt some surprise at perceiving their abundant presence. I guess I should not have been surprised given our friend’s deep love of life, fierce compassion, and profound spirituality.
In spite of the brutal cold there followed an outdoor burial at the Jewish cemetery. Jennie and one of our close friends were pallbearers, a gesture our departed friend, a fierce and determined feminist, would surely have appreciated. It would have been good to see her laid carefully into the bosom of Mother Earth but, sadly, I felt the need to stay at the synagogue rather than try to deal with the intense cold which would have wrought havoc on my Post-Polio body.
On Christmas we had joined some of the same friends to celebrate another friend’s seventieth birthday. This has been an autumn for seventieth birthdays in my friendship circle, evidence of the deep desire for normalcy and forgetting that followed World War Two. We are repeatedly reminded that we who are now entering our eight decade are the incarnated hope of our parents and grandparents.
I’ve been reading Sherman Alexi’s autobiography: You don’t have to Say You Love Me. I’m not far into the book yet, just far enough to appreciate Alexi’s sharp wit and poignant memories. I have also come, already, to recognize a kindred traveler, someone who has also experienced the savage side of human behavior. I imagine he would agree with me that our children and step-children are our prayers for the future.
Later today we will spend time with dear friends. Hopefully, as we anticipate the coming year with its threats, challenges, and opportunities, we will make room for the past and those who prepared the way for our births, loving us long before we were born. May we remember that we are the prayers of past generations, and their hope for the future, and may we carry those hopes and prayers lightly into the future.
Dreaming the World 
Sending you much love and light. So very sorry for your loss, my friend.
Thank you, Lara.
This is a lovely tribute, a lovely piece. All the best in the new year.
I’m sorry for your loss, Michael. Even if you could not join her to the last place, I’m sure, she appreciated, that you joined in the church.
Wish you and Jennie a healthy, happy and wonderful New Year.
Sending my best wishes to you and your family for warmth, peace, and joy during the coming season of growing light, dear Michael.
And to you and yours, Carol!
What a beautiful reflection on moving into a new year. I have been intrigued with the concept of transitions – so important for our sense of self and life’s meaning. Sending an emotional hug on the loss of your friend – an important transition for both of you. And I am going to ponder your thoughts on the meaning of our conceptions and births.
Thanks, Pat. The idea that we are dreamed into being by generations past is a common one among Indigenous people around the world. I realize that I hold it so deeply that I am surprised when it is new, and resonate, with others. Be well my friend!
I have never heard that concept but it will now be mine. It completely shakes the foundations of my identity so I am going to have to ponder it and possibly blog about it. Thanks, friend. What wonders we learn when we listen to people from different cultures.
My mother’s birthday is today, and it always gives me a focal point to appreciate her love, my ancestry, and the endurance of life and learning. May you and Jenny find new inspiration and joy in the New Year.
I believe your comment about your mom led me to write today’s brief post! I didn’t realize it til I just reread your note.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing and your sadness, there are rites of passages all around you! Funnily enough, I also just wrote a post about the ancestors… I wish you a peaceful and fabulous 2018!
Thank you. I enjoyed your post about the ancestors and hope others will take a look for themselves.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Even for those of us who believe life continues, it can still be a sorrowful time.
Mostly feel shock and loss. I am sure she is on an adventure somewhere. Really hard for her husband more than for the rest of us.