Her Children Will Arise and Call Her Blessed

It has been a bittersweet weekend. Some of my closest, oldest friends are struggling mightily; and I grasp, cling, and beg…awkwardly desperate to help. Even those to which I have begun to grow close in recent months are constructing solid walls around their heart, impenetrable and cold. I read Emily Dickinson again this weekend,

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.

Your words alone have succeeded, Emily.

Someone I had never met in real life but who has seen my picture online caught me off guard at the store while I was doing some shopping Saturday. “Are you Jamin?” she asked. I think my reply mirrored my state of mind and came out more complicated than “yes.” What an odd time to meet, but thank you, Kara, for stopping me and saying hello. I hope I make a better second impression than I did the first. Update: Apparently Kara will be sitting directly behind me two rows when I go to see David Sedaris. Too weird!

We celebrated my mom’s birthday this weekend. Here is the photo to which my sister is referring

Lauren is right–she does look beautiful and young. Happy Birthday, Mom. We do call you blessed. 22 years hence, I pray I look as young and am as wise as you.
…
Thanks, Alyse and Patrick, for listening tonight.

Tags: Personal