I wake up in the darkness; I feel unsure, uncertain of the next day, the next moment. Sometimes that darkness stays with me the whole of the day.

I turn to simple things, repeatedly, to find light, and joy. A mix of temporal and permanent, these simple things.

Fresh, hot coffee,

The crackle of the pot as it percolates,

Singing Jimmy Buffett to the kids,

The gentle sounds of the wall heater as it comes to life,

My daughter’s artistry and maturity,

My other daughter’s rap songs and dance,

My son’s fears blossomed to bravery,

A couple rainy days,

The smell of wet dogs,

Another sip,

Blissful slumber.

God everywhere.