Here’s a secret: I’ve cried every day this month.

A conservative estimate would suggest I’ve cried most days this year. But perhaps not as deeply as I have been this morning.

I suppose it’s appropriate that the year that will be remembered as the one that changed the world would end with perhaps this most significant change in my world.

Last evening, on what became his final night living here in my tiny apartment palace, I was finally able to convince Emet to watch my all-time favorite movie, Harold and Maude. There is so much I love about that film, but mostly I love the music.

My son is a musician.

It’s a coming-of-age love story.

My son is coming of age. And what love story is complete without a little bit of heartache?

When he was very small all the way up until we were separated during his 8th grade year, I recited a blessing to him. Never have the simple words been more true in my heart than they are at present:

Angel of God who is guarding you-
Be thou a bright star above you,
Be thou a smooth path before you,
Be thou a strong shepherd behind you,
Today,
Tonight,
When the stars are shining bright,
And forever.

Forever.