The message that came to me that one night driving home, with sharp clarity, and these words do not come lightly:

“Tessa, you are not going to live a long life.”

I pause.

I have already lived long statistically. I hold those exact words and I allow their power to deflate, but – the meaning remains whole.

I have much to do, much to be, and much to experience.

Much to love, much to give, and for those who wish to be by me, with me, no matter what, no matter where, no matter how – I am with them, no matter what, no matter where, no matter how. That is me.

I have much to do, so much to love.

I want to share this little didi I wrote a little over a month ago. These words go through me often when I am unsure, when my hand needs a hand, or a hug.

When the sky opens
Giving away to the morning light,
Warming,
Soothing,
Blessing and embracing
All that is in you.

It is then that you become the light,
And it becomes the night.

Turning over,
Handing over,
Giving a once nod, and
A timely blink.

That we are ready,
For all that is,
For all that was,
For what we knew,
For what we not,
Into what becomes,
What we must.