My Rapunzel group met for lunch last week at Jan’s beautiful home. As usual, there was delicious food, laughter, and tears. It was bittersweet that our dear friend, Nevin, has moved to Southern California and that FaceTime with Jan’s iPhone was how she was able to join us. Marie was with her daughter and also could not be with us- we missed her as well, but know she will be at meetings again in the near future. Our group seems small at times, but has stayed strong because of our deep connection to each other- and to our children (and grandchildren!).
Somehow. Vicki has been in my mind and heart this week. She is one of us in spirit, but we lost her to cancer a few years ago. The first Christmas after her passing, each of us brought a small gift for each member in the group, as Vicki had brought us on every holiday. What is noteworthy here is that this was one of those unplanned, synchronistic happenings; none of us knew that each of us was doing the same thing.
I think Jan must have been feeling Vicki’s presence as well, because she had a present for each of us- a cute little succulent plant. I believe it is a “Hens and Chicks”- an apt gift to give a group whose reason for being is support and friendship while raising children!
melinda anderson photography 
Very touching. I love the shallow depth of field and the softness of the shot. The shot is a perfect illustration of the emotion you conveyed in your story.