Stain-glass Eyes

My son, Holden, is recovering from Top-Surgery in Berlin, where he lives.  His surgery was on August 15th in Bangkok, Thailand.   Holden in Thailand Prior to Surgery He looks healthy and happy.  Feeling pain and discomfort, yes.  Healing from a major surgery takes time and patience.  He’s been preparing for this for a long time, he was ready.   When we talked on the phone or Skyped, his peace and joy with having the surgery behind him comes to the forefront.  I can see him wince, adjust his body, breath deeply and even close his eyes when he is having pain (constantly).  But, I see him smile, laugh, sigh in relief and hold his new chest (which has a strong binder on, for a few more weeks) in sheer pleasure. He made it!    Holden in Post-Op Afer Top-Surgery in Bangkok Emma, who was there with Holden throughout the tough days after surgery, in Thailand, kept Elizabeth and me informed and close to Holden pre and post of his surgery.  Skype is a wonderful tool to les

Forging---to form, shape, make or fashion   I read this article this morning and was reminded of when Holden, Harry and I traveled to Japan during an August, years ago. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33792789?ocid=global_bbccom_email_06082015_top+news+stories I remember we were in Tokyo during this holiday. It gave me a sense of another country affected by tragic, historical events.  I saw how important it is every year to keep the past event alive.  The memory of loved ones alive. It seemed so far removed from my own life, my own "ethocentrism",  before I was able to experience being in Japan during this national holiday.   “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry,  but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die,  it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other,  we may even become friends.”       Maya Angelou This memorial holiday didn't just close down businesses.  Many people travel great distances ever

I just fiinished a letter to my friend, Sonya.  She moved to Baltimore a couple of months ago after living in Ann Arbor.  I met her through Holden.  He lived with Sonya for a few years in a yellow house on 7th Street. I wrote to send her a couple of my flat rocks I drew on and wrote mantras for her on the back.  I planned on writing to ask about her cat,  Yoshi,  about her up-coming kidney donation to her friend in Texas, her piano performances, about newly living with her boyfriend,  Arian,  about her mom and sister, and….. Sonya Schumann I started out fine.  Then I side-tracked and started writing to her about the huge affects transitions can have on us.  I wanted to tell her to gentle with herself.  To give herself time for adjustments.  TIme to grieve choices not taken, time to be patient and celebrate choices she’s made.  Patience to wait and see the surprises that will come to her around the corner. I sealed the small package for Sonya and realized how scared I