Appreciating Gifts From Friends

It was a great day to walk the lake. Arriving in the still dimly lit moments, the dew was heavy on the planks of the walking bridge. My greeting count today went up to nineteen, nineteen happy, smiley, eye-to-eye connections with other morning walkers.

Life is good; the contrast comes to my attention through the death of a friend. He died the way I hope to die, by going to sleep and not waking up. It was a privilege to be with him temporarily in this life. His presence will always be with me whenever I choose. Transcending to non-physical is the culmination of our earthly experience. Fare well on your new adventure my friend.

Coincidentally (if you believe in coincidences), today at the lake the great blue crane was poising for me, as if a gift. He is often visible but usually I've had difficulty snapping a good clean photograph. Today he was waiting for me on the better lit side of the lake on a huge cement piling right next to the walking bridge. It seemed that he was actually smiling. There are no accidents.