we said goodbye to a dear old friend

holding my sister’s hand, december 29, 2022 ~ photo by me

I have been absent from this space of late, I know. My plans for this betwixt time of year—always my favorite week, when everything sort of becomes timeless and tinged with nostalgia and hope—went awry.

Usually I spend New Year’s Eve (one of my favorite days) reflecting, writing wrap up posts and best of’s, tallying my favorite books of the past 12 months, making plans.

Not this year. Not yet, anyway.

In this morning’s very early hours, my best friend and sister of 44 years — we called each other sisters since we were in the 4th grade— died. Brain cancer, aggressive as fuck. Cheryl gave it everything she had and then some.

I will write her story here soon and get caught up on all the other posts and share plans for 2023.

For now, as we say goodbye to this year and we're all focused on the passing of time, a few words, if I may.

Make the time. Make that phone call, send that email. Always take the photo.
Say I love you -- often. Get the fancy-ass drink or dinner or dessert, or all of the above. Take the trip. Leave no regrets. Remember what really matters. Be present. Be kind. Show the fuck up. Be someone's person. Love well. Love often. Love always. Always, love.