Edgartown Light

I've been pretty quiet lately on the platform. It has been a tough year. In April, my wife and I lost our baby, who would have joined us in this world in November. COVID, of course, hasn't helped. The support of our family, friends and colleagues from a physically safe distance has been incredible. But, nothing beats a hug. And a shoulder to cry on. 

Last weekend, Andrea and I traveled to Martha's Vineyard. The journey was something else. We drove to Cape Cod to take the ferry from Woods Hole. The parking lot is 10 miles away from the boat, and the shuttle is free. But the bus was packed, and we were concerned for our health. So we biked it to the port. Off the ferry in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, we were 6 miles away from Edgartown. Again, we biked. It seemed like it was taking forever to get there. My legs were tired and my head hurt. But we pressed on, and finally made it...

To Edgartown, where at the base of the lighthouse is one of the world's only memorials dedicated to children who have left us way too soon. We named our baby Riley, and we quickly found his stone. It was placed there 3 weeks ago, on the Northwest side of the lighthouse, facing Riley's hometown, Canton, MA. 

The memorial is peaceful, yet full of life. It's surrounded by pristine beaches, where kids play in the sand and wade in the water. Chappaquiddick island is right over there. The lighthouse is gorgeous - and shorter than most. Short -- "for the kids", I thought. It's the perfect place to honor Riley, the child we never met but who we loved more than life itself. The one we had prayed for, for so long.

2020 has been cruel to many. Friends and colleagues who have lost loved ones to COVID and other causes. Friends and colleagues who are caring for parents battling cancer. Parents who have lost children. The heartbreaking pain of racial injustices.

And yet, we press on - together - with the hope of brighter days ahead.

One day we hope that Riley has a brother or sister. And if he does, we'll take them to Edgartown, where we'll visit his stone. And play in the beach.