Day 8 - Home

This week I reflected on the significance of light and darkness as expressed in the solar system, the pattern of the seasons, ancient traditions, and current history. However, today during my early morning quiet time, my heart was struck by the beauty of the white lights shining on the tree in my own home. I closed my eyes and the room was filled with warm memories from holidays and holy days past. I realized the greatest light is to be found in the eyes of the people I love. So today's reflection turns out to be my family Christmas card. Happy holidays from my family to yours.

Our Christmas about 15 years ago

Jaden is living in a group home on Capitol Hill and working at a restaurant in Georgetown. At 27, he is doing better than ever in spite of the challenges COVID created for those just trying to make it in today's economy.

Taniya is living in the mansion on T Street as Patrick calls it. At 25, she too is working as a host in a restaurant near the Navy Yard. She's cautiously optimistic this is the year that something new opens up for her.

Patrick is the interim CEO for a residential and outpatient treatment facility specializing in the treatment of alcoholism, opioid addiction, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and mental health and substance abuse. He loves being back in the world of recovery.

Dan is spending most of his days at the beach as a remote trainer for the Veterans Administration. On Tuesdays, he facilitates an online men's meditation group. Life is good.

My family enjoys listening to holiday music as much as I do. Here are a few more of our favorites:

Practice

Is there a person who has brought light into your life? Sit in silence for just a minute or two to allow a sense of gratitude to come to the surface. Next write a letter, a card, an email or make a call to say "thanks."