May 16, 2026

I had two distinctly different parts to my day.   The first part was hanging with the Blackwells and Jean.  Always a joy for me, but it has been a full year since I've seen the kids and they are now all grown up.  Elijah is quite the young man.  It was wonderful seeing them all.

Jean had been in Costa Rica and had brought  back presents.  This was a small hand made mask of several synthesized animals.  Very powerful, also fun.  I also have taken several photos of Donnie's hands over the years. I'm going to put them together.  

The second part of my day began in the rookery.  It was 84 when I left my house.  The rookery was full of birds.  I couldn't see them well enough,  but they were fun to watch zooming around the place. 

After the rookery I went to Charlie's farewell party at LAVA.  So sad.  No, it was fun to be all together.  We ate pizza and chocolate cake and told stories.  As people came in for the programming V. put on the disco lights and music.  Eventually people got up and danced. 

It was fun to watch people really smile.  Most of the crew had been working the Bee Festival or something all day and were beat, but they got up and danced.   I haven't sat in a room with them all since January, so for me it was just nice to be there even if it was saying adieu to Charlie.   

I've been so caught up in my own medical world  that  it felt good to focus on the daily thoughts of LAVA.  Or it felt good to be at a small party with lovely friends.   It also felt great to eat a slice of pepperoni pizza.   

Now that I lay the day out like this I realize they weren't so different, food, great friends, catching up and laughter.  The other thing they had in common was it wasn't about my hurting, oh that is so good.  Actually, I laughed a lot today, which is by far the best medicine; laughter and love.  I want to schedule more of this into life.  I need it.   Can't dance, but I can laugh, and I can hug.