twenty five.

i loved that caroline gave me clip on holiday earings. i loved that folks made a special point to call. i loved that mom's russian tea tasted like christmas. i loved that fawn made too much fry bread. i loved that leah magically salvaged my humble attempt at grandma's red velvet cake. i loved that so many friends filled our tiny living room with conversation and laughter. i loved that people contributed foods that were meaningful in their lives. i loved that there was enough for everyone. i loved that folks brought guitars and harmonicas. i loved that people donated gifts for the shelter. i loved that friends knew me well enough to bring homemade and thrift shop gifts as well. i loved that now mukluk has his very own christmas ornament. i loved that i felt loved.

but what really made my birthday. was when we brought leftovers to the shelter. and we figured out that it was one of the guests' birthday too. and she declared me her "birthday twin." with multiple hugs. and we sang a cheerful "happy birthday to us." and there was shared experience. and joy. and it somehow completed the day.

and although this year promises much uncertainty at the moment. i celebrate it. i welcome it. i wait and see. i listen. i wonder. just what will be.

hope.

neither one of us expected it to be on the front page. in the sunday paper at that. but there it was. in black and white. the reality of it all. spoken plainly. and he seemed rather overwhelmed. but said maybe, just maybe someone will wake up. people need to know. homelessness exists here. but it exists everywhere. and people's eyes need to be opened.

and he was so brave to talk to that reporter. to share his voice. his story. but now he seems apprehensive. of what others may think. or say. but mostly. folks around here tell him he did a good job. that they are proud of him.

and then we imagined. what if there was a part two. a sequel to the story. that his situation changed. for the better.

he said he was tired of all of this. and ready to try again. for something different. for something more. and i said that story would certainly be worthy of front page news again. even though we agreed neither one of us are front page news kind of people.

but we determined it was worth a try.

and something like hope surrounded us in that moment. as we concluded something good will come out of this. it must.