This story has a colorful cast of many individuals. The most likely to appear in detailed descriptions are as follows.
Eric -husband-
"Oh what a strong sunny boy! I love each piece of body, each juice of life that is in him. I am new with him-- I can feel myself being what I haven't yet, peeling away from the comfort of the familiar. I can become with him.
We love each other stoutly. Not a fluffy pink love-- a brown earthy love, a love to grow in and from, to smell deeply and laugh. Honest. To know no deceiving, no pretension of perfection, we simply are."
Would you look at his eyes please? Kindest eyes in my world.
“I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.”
― Anais Nin
On the great wall. China has and does play an unexpectedly large role in our shared lives. And look, we're pretty happy about it.
Anna -daughter-
This is new. Never before have I had a baby. She chatters and laughs and squeals and drools, and happily (usually) accompanies me everywhere, from Matteo concerts to the mountains to Chinese New Year parties. The world to her is full of new noise and color, and I am joy filled to be her mom.
Mom
I used to wonder if my mom ever felt sad or angry or naughty. Then she got mad at me once for a beautiful drawing I made. On the wall. And blamed on my brother. But that is pretty much the only time I really remember her ever emoting anything other than enthusiasm. She is happily self reliant and self motivated, has read enough books to fill a school bus. She willingly spends most her free time caring for my Dad's mom, and continues to teach all of us about the value, beauty, and sacrifice of service to those from whom we can expect nothing in return.
Dad
My dad is the reason I am brave enough to call the pizza guy. I hated him for it at the time, but he played a critical role in helping me overcome shyness. He is also the reason I love old books, open fields, Spain, horses, know falconers in countries all over the globe, and took hang gliding lessons. He is a lover of quality and beauty, wherever he finds it, and has taught me by example how to freely give to others when they need help, even though time after time they do not or are not able to return what was given. He quietly supports, encourages, and saves friends and acquaintances in acts known only to himself.
Sister
It is a blessing to have another human being in this world who knows you and understands so much about everything in your life. And then to have that human being a wonderful soul, a creator of beautiful things with her hands, a late night snack cereal companion, a fellow Aggie, future practicing P.A., a mother 7 weeks before you, dairy free recipe sharer, brilliant violinist, your sister. Well it is almost too much.
It is with sadness that I also add she now lives in Arizona.
Sister's husband
Is perfect for my sister. And perfectly delightful to watch as a father. He likes things clean (my car will never be as clean as his, inside or out), planned, and well thought out. Understandably, he is good at many things and gets many things done.
Brother
Well I guess he got it from my mom. But I think he's never done, said, watched, condoned, or thought anything bad. He is 100% good. And not arrogant about it. He just does good things, thinks good things, makes people feel good, and makes good things happen in his life and the lives of those around him. Also, I looked just like him when I shaved my head.
