I felt myself trapped in line for a ride I was not nearly ready for, looking back but moving forward in the only direction I could go.

I thought of the priest who'd told me that many religions hold that it is easier to be closely connected to people we love after death than before.

She sits down and puts her hand to her chest and rocks. Thinks of all she has lost and will lose. All she has had and will have. It seems to her that life is like gathering berries into an apron with a hole. Why do we keep on? Because the berries are beautiful, and we must eat to survive. We catch what we can. We walk past what we lose for the promise of more, just ahead.

The truth is, aging can be your realest opportunity to decide how best to live - and the best incentive for getting you to do just that.

Just one look and then I knew that all I longed for long ago was you

I think one of the reasons we have children is to believe everything all over again. And I'm not talking Santa, here, either.

There is incredible value in being of service to others.