I thought it could be of some comfort and purpose to make note of what *isn't* lost to us, of those no longer with us, since it is only natural in their absence to focus on all that we miss of them.

I have things of my late husband's still around: his wedding ring, his grandfather's watch.. letters he wrote, other objects that he enjoyed or were meaningful to him.. and I appreciate them, but they are only things, and could feasibly be taken from me (if only by way of a natural disaster ). But lately I've been noticing more how things that he taught me, knowledge and expertise that he shared with me, are not lost and can't be taken from me, which makes them very precious.

For instance, he taught me to play a mean game of pool, and I still can. It's something we did together as friends long before we started dating, and every shot I know how to set up, is one I can still remember him showing me, selflessly teaching me all he knew to the point where I could beat him at more than the occasional game. There is some joy for me, in still being able to share something with him, even if it is only the success of a ball expertly sunk in a tricky side pocket, or a bank shot I never thought I'd be able to make.

I do declare. It cannot be taken from me.

All the best to you xo