Thirty-six years ago today I gave birth to my first child, Jonah. Every year I join hearts with his father Peter, brothers Sam and Gabe, and others who loved him in celebrating his birth. The light of Jonah's life pierces the darkness that descended with his death in 2013. My joy will not be overshadowed by sorrow; Jonah would not want that. A brilliant scholar, musician, empath, and healer, Jonah was the voice of constant encouragement. So although I awoke today feeling the heavy weight of grief, I knew it would be transformed. An email message announced that today begins the Tibetan New Year, the Year of the Metal Rat. Tibetan astrology describes this as a year of prosperity and plenty, a tranquil time allowing for growth; the element of metal energetic and positive, when few compromises can be expected. I'll go with that.

Feeling strengthened by physical and virtual hugs, I felt prepared to set sail to Calabash Bay on Long Island. With the strong East wind behind us, we had a gorgeous day of sailing the aquamarine sea, white clouds leading the way like stepping stones. As soon as we dropped anchor, we set off in the dinghy to snorkel a nearby coral reef. Any remaining sorrow dissolved into the sparkling life and color of today, this momentary configuration, the only moment that is real.