A Different Type of Birthday

Death is not extinguishing the light.

It is only putting out the light because the dawn has come.

Rabindranath Tagore

For Richard

Time passes quietly. 

Silence fills the room.

This is your day of days.

I pause in the stillness of

Your heavenly presence

Warming morning's chill.

A slice of cake awaits.

This is your day of days.

You may not be here, but 

Your heart is leaning in.

❤

© CVarsalona, March 25, 2026

• Note: Today is a solemn day, a different type of birthday. You are here in spirit. We honored your heavenly birthday on Sunday at the little grandgirls' house. All three children placed the candles on the cake, and Sierra decorated the label with your name, Grandpa. Then, the family sang the birthday song and I took photos. My heart is my gift to you...
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My

for March 25, 2026

Wonder, Hope, Possibilities

A new baby is like the beginning of all things -

wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. 

(Eda J. Le Shan)

When does the joy of expectancy become a reality? Is it when you first hear that there is a new arrival on the way or when you first stare into the eyes of the new infant?  When does life turn a corner? I think all of the above applied to me as I entered grandmotherhood on June 15th. 

My journey into Grandmotherhood started way back in November at a pre-Thanksgiving evening. When cupcakes came out with little labels, I wondered about them until it dawned on me that the one marked Grandma was meant for me. Everyone in the two families joined together were overcome with happiness that evening. A spirit of hope surrounded all of us. Then, there was the gender reveal at Christmas. "It's a girl" was an outburst of joy. After that, the baby shower brought the dream of new possibilities for the loving parents and a soon-to-be-born newborn.

After returning from Virginia, I perused the photos taken over the weekend. They made me realize that there is a spirit of wonder, hope, and possibilities all wrapped up in little Sierra Kathryn. 

"Every picture tells a story" has been used in advertising since the early 20th century. In this 21st century world of digital technology, the photos I and the family have taken will continue to speak ten thousand words all wrapped in love! 

I am blessed with the title Grandma. I will continue to wonder, hope, dream of new possibilities, and use photos to unfold a story of my little one's new life as a hopeful wonderer believing in the power of possibilities.

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It's Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers. I am eager to link up with the #sol17 writing community.

New Life

Countdown began last Tuesday night. 

Anticipation mounted with each breath. 

Then, passed in the silence. 

Wednesday, no relief-

Tick tocking reverberated.

Thursday's drive brought reflection:

Suddenly, a text pinged.

The car exploded with outbursts of joy!
A visual treasure was revealed.

Meet Sierra Kathryn

Friday: new sight, cooing sounds -

instant love.

Saturday, family eagerly gathers.

Baby arrives home.

Video of Baby Homecoming 

Sunday, Father's Day pride shines 
as bright as the sunshine.

Words cannot express the joy of new life. 

(Hermann Hesse)

My weekend was filled with many precious moments, so I'm Celebrating This Week with Ruth Ayres and her community of writers, post-weekend. Thank you to all those who surrounded this birth with their thoughts and prayers. 

Waiting

Waiting for something important is difficult 

but it is time to see the world with different eyes

as I await the birth of my first grandbaby!

Joy Awaits!

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday

at Two Writing Teachers.