This morning I got up at O'dark-thirty to get to St. Mary's for breakfast. I hadn't planned on joining everyone, but thought the fellowship would be good. Well, everything about breakfast was better than good - steel cut oats are simply my favorite breakfast and Mary Elizabeth was a fine companion.

About mid-morning I had to exit in order to attend a funeral. I didn't know the deceased, but was attending for his son whom I know well. It was a beautiful ceremony with just the right amount of people. A violinist played selections from The Lark Ascending, which was followed by readings from the Book of Common Prayer and then a portion of Psalm 40 said in unison. The deceased's closest friend spoke fondly with remembrance. The graveside service closed with bagpipes and select people placing shovels of dirt in the spot where the box of ashes was lowered.

As I was driving back to St. Mary's I was struck by the total sense of well-being I felt. I had attended the funeral with some of my dearest friends on the mountain. I knew a lot of people in attendance, but I also didn't know a lot. Yet, I was struck by the communal outreach of sensitivity and caring amongst everyone and the soft words that were exchanged. The moment felt too good to spoil with wishes that the whole world was like that - sensitive and kind and caring. At that very moment, I think it was okay to feel selfish - to revel in the joy of people whom I love and love me... and the love amongst *perfect* strangers as well. xoxo



A blurry photo of Reenie & Mary Elizabeth at St. Mary's