I have a photo of a little girl running toward. Her blonde curls are flying. Bulges of diapers show under her winter tights. One small red sneaker. . . .

Six weeks ago, a friend gave me a potted amaryllis bulb, brown except for one small green shoot. A few days later, I found. . . .

We sat outside, bundled in our winter coats, looking up at the night sky. She sat in my lap, her brown eyes wide. . . .

Early this morning, I remembered that this is the season of Advent and that Advent means “coming,” and I was glad. I wanted to be wide awake. . . .

A few days ago, a friend told me how she prepares for Christmas. She brings. . . .

Before I get out of bed in the morning, I say. . . .