dear sister

 #1 - Having the flexibility to be available for a family member today, being able to make some phone calls and ask some questions together, and letting them know they aren't completely alone thru this.

#2 - Having a plan to meet a friend for a walk after work.  Both of us had some stressful energy, so I had us stop and quiet our energy at least a little, before we entered the woods.

#3- Continuing to learn more about this friend's life, we met 1 1/2 years ago so she is my "new" friend.  We connected initially when I learned her husband died a few years ago and I was fresh from a break up. Today she said if she were to date again she can't imagine meeting someone who didn't know anything about her life, that it would be much easier if it was someone from her past who reappeared (though she didn't have any possibilities). 

I've never had a thought like this so I found it intriguing.  In fact I'd probably think the opposite upon reflection.  I find zero appeal in meeting/dating someone who reappeared from an earlier stage of my life.

#4 - I really like the mix of alone time and people time I have in my life right now.  I get both thru my work and both thru my living situation/friends. I like having a lot of alone time.  And I have a nice quantity of connection time too. I would say it is probably the best ratio I've experienced.

#5 - A couple posts ago I mentioned a wonderful memoir I recently read Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and Championship Coach which was remarkably engaging even with the large section on football!

Now I'm reading another captivating memoir dear sister: a memoir of secrets, survival and unbreakable bonds by Michelle Horton.  It is written by the sister of a woman who was imprisoned for killing her partner after he threatened to kill her in a murder/suicide and leave their children parentless.  This was not the first time. She had suffered for years under physical/psychological and sexual abuse that was well documented and continuing to escalate.  He told her she would not be believed, and our justice system told her he was right.