Death and Life

My half sister's aunt passed away on New Year's Eve. I remember hearing stories of this aunt from time to time. From what I'm told, this woman was a spitfire. She was the kind of lady that traveled in large groups of one and entered the room with gusto. She was less than five feet, but had a hefty presence. I never really knew her, but I can't help but feel a sense of loss knowing she is no longer with us. Perhaps I'm mourning for the person that I could have known.
It seems there are times in our lives that we are surrounded by death, or the prospects of it. I watch my Grandparents deteriorate by the week and it saddens me. There is a lot of wisdom and history that can be gained in the conversations they provide. I will miss them when they go.
At other times, I see the budding life around me. Many of my family and friends are having children right now. It is exciting. My boys will have lots of playdates in the future.
My life in a picture:
Walking through the valley dark, the withered trees surround.
The leaves have fallen to the earth.
Sorrow doth abound.
A brush of heel across the dirt, the verdure spots my eye.
A peeking sprout of fresh new life,
The supple spirit vies.