Some times, people think I am too open about my emotions and observations.  And talking about sad things can really depress people.  And if you only talk about the stuff in your life, not only do you lose friends, but you risk losing those essential human traits of empathy and compassion for others and what inevitably are their challenges, fears and bags of trouble.

Here is one of the great surprises.  Many of the friends and family who have held me close (physically and figuratively) have also shared their past and present sadnesses and allowed me to try to comfort them or share in their memories.  And I am grateful.

I guess we all walk the paths of crises, loss, joy, exhilaration and near-misses, but not at the same times.  Friends and family allowed Dad’s crisis to open me up, rather than close me down.  And it is hard not to be joyful about his long and happy life.  And it is hard not to feel the heartbreak of others whose family members aren’t as lucky as Dad has been.

Life is a journey.  Success is having made that journey surrounded by loved ones and friends.