I Came Across This Photo and It’s Everything

I found this photo yesterday of my late mom.

She’s about 40 here. Standing between her mom and dad, and probably my dad played photographer.

She’s elated.

I can tell.

Smiling. Surrounded by love.

At ease.

Supported.

It’s wild that all of these people are gone now. Dad too.

Maybe they’re having a party together in some distant plane of existence.

Can they see me as I try so hard to make life work on this Covid-present planet?

When I’m done writing this piece, I’m going to take some time to meditate on the photo of mom.

On all of the love and unlimited possibilities that existed then for her and everyone lucky enough to be in her presence.

I look out the window and this is what I’m seeing.

This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the beautiful pink bougainvillea my partner planted a year ago are so beautiful — and happy it rained last evening.