This afternoon my sister, Heather, and I took a walk out to mom’s rock to spend some time with her memories. Before she got polio it was where she would go and sit and be still with the universe.

When we were kids my sister and I used to sit out there too.

We stood and looked at the view and shared stores and let out feelings.

I realized today that although people have died in the house (both my grandparents, and my parents only days after leaving the house), that everyone also lived in the house. Generations of my family have lived here, gathered at the table, laughed, cried, and loved.

I feel so fortunate that this is home.

Mom’s rock covered in snow, and the happiest dog in the world.