Don’t Stop this Train

? I went to my oldest cousin’s wedding this past holiday weekend and we celebrated her 29th birthday this past Tuesday.? She turned 29 and she was 8 when I first moved here.? It has been amazing and extremely fulfilling to participate in her life and the lives of her family.? Her father is one of my mother’s brothers and the fellow who encouraged me to explore Buddhism.?

? I am excited to see her embark on a new journey in her evolution with a committed partner.? She picked a good fellow.? It is nice to have another Star Wars fan in the family and he clearly loves her Olivianess.? He hasn’t recognized the brilliance of Arby’s roast beef yet but it is still early so there is hope. : )

? I love her dearly and I still see the joy, of that wee munchkin I watched grow up, flash across her face at times.? Those are the moments that remind us everyone started out as a kid full of curiosity and hope.? She is one of the rare people who hasn't allowed that capacity to be diminished over time. It was present, in all its glory, during the whole long weekend.? She is an amazing person.? Her strength and kindness are beautiful to witness and it was very encouraging to see so many people come together to acknowledge the partnership of her and her husband.

? Her 2 younger sisters are awesome too and were amazing at the wedding. Their parents deftly guided the tres bandidas (they stole my heart when they were just little bundles of energy racing around the house and yard) through the travails of growing up in the age of social media infected by a misogynistic popular culture and they continue to support them with love, generosity and acceptance.

? Those of us who leave this life without being a biological parent can still participate in the guidance of the generations replacing us by being kind, generous, caring and curious to show them it is important to stay engaged with a young heart and mind, even if the rest of it is feeling the effects of 5+ decades of an adventurous life.? John Mayer sings it well in his song; "Stop this Train"

"…Don't stop this train

Don't for a minute change the place you're in

And don't think I couldn't ever understand

I tried my hand

John, honestly, we'll never stop this train…"