by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

I’m back from Minneapolis once more…my mom is gone from the earth, but not without a flourish of love, laughter and celebration. I hadn’t been to a funeral since I was small and didn’t realize that we could move ourselves to joy if willing to process and reach out to each other unabashedly - and to the unanswered questions - with an openness that belies these unique moments in our lives.

Many things are speaking more loudly to me now - including my mother’s voice - but especially, especially the voice that tells me to live, to love, to move, and to grow without ceasing, without fear and without hesitation. Below are just a couple more things that have shown up over these past weeks…

The world is not respectable; it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever; but it is shot through with beauty, with love, with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms…

- George Santayana

And, from close to home,

Walk close to the water’s edge. Let it run onto your feet. Let the waves spray your hair. Don’t roll up your pants. Don’t sidestep experience. Shut your eyes. Never shut your eyes. Run fast. Walk slow. Whatever takes you somewhere.

- Jerry Stifelman