Shelter Me: A Novel About Grief, Fierce Motherhood, and Unexpected Love

Loneliness is painful. But suffering is not wrong in and of itself. It's part of the human experience, and in a way brings us closer to all people.

The Magi in my life have always surprised me. They have often been people I initially felt I had nothing in common with. Sometimes I didn't even like them. But they came bearing gifts. Of wisdom, or acceptance. One or two came to give me a kick in the pants...and some left as suddenly as they came. They returned to their respective homelands or continued on their own journeys. I miss some of them... But we all have to find our way toward what ever miracle awaits us. And to perform miracles, when it is in our power to do so. Maybe the most important question is: how do I serve the Magi for others? How generously do I give my gifts - and not just to the obvious recipients in my life? How far out of my way do go to recognize and pay homage to miracles? Not very far some days. But on good days, just far enough.

We all miss people. I miss my parents, may they rest in peace. I miss my marriage when it was good. You don't have to stop missing. You just have to accept that missing doesn't mean you turn away your happiness.

We're all on loan. The only thing that makes sense is to be together.

So what does forgiveness really do for you? Is it even a real thing? Or is it something humans just made up to make ourselves feel better? Or is it like the concept of time, something that actually exists, but our little brains can't really comprehend it, so we just measure it and give the pieces names until we've dumbed it down for ourselves?

There's a million what-ifs in life. You just have to keep yourself from thinking about the bad ones.

There was no soft place to land' 'No,' said Janie. 'Sometimes there just isn't'.