I continue to read my book “Tuesdays with Morrie.” It’s always the context. The context of the story provides more profound meaning to what we know is true, along with applying the context to your life story and journey. Morrie teaches Mitch that the most precious thing you can give someone is time and being present. Really present and all in. Deeply listening to what the person is conveying from their heart, and perhaps messages that are not shared because it’s too hard to express, or the vulnerability is too hard.

A concert brought us together. The music, joy, and history of songs are sung through tears and laughter. I’ll never forget the crazy tram ride, the freezing air and holding each other tight, and the magic of sharing the meaning of the songs and talking about our current life events and future aspirations.

“Let us prize these moments

and care for one another deeply

–for each of us,

              and our relationships to one another, are

              Precious and fleeting.”

Amen. (“Every Moment Holy,” McKelvey)

I was a little older than Valentina when Landslide, by Stevie Nicks, moved me to serious contemplation. Of course, we heard that song last night at the Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks concert in Maryland. I asked her over coffee at the hotel bistro why it meant so much to her. She provided the deep meaning of realizing your reflection in those you love who are getting older. Your unique reflection and learning that growing older means growing in depth of understanding and wisdom. That was the song we held each other and cried together as we each had our own meanings weaving in and out of our minds and hearts. It’s those moments that slow you down. Feeling the warmth of her arm amid the cold weather made us shiver and question our best efforts to prepare for a concert outdoors. It was closing your eyes and flashing back to her birth and the joy of being her mom. It’s the joy that she is here, in my arms, and we are experiencing this moment.

We walked to the hotel after the concert, about a mile. She guided us to Lord Baltimore Hotel with her phone, laughing and talking as we encountered beautiful homes and interesting people. What a great release to be in our little space together, to put PJs on and reminisce about the night. Like the last free pretzel incident, the couple in front of us playing “the drink can saxophone” and “the smell” of the world now, according to Parish. 🙂

Landslide by Stevie Nicks

I took my love, I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
‘Til the landslide brought me down

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too

Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too
Oh! I’m getting older too

Oh-oh, take my love, take it down
Oh-oh, climb a mountain and you turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well, the landslide bring it down
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well, the landslide bring it down
Oh-ohh, the landslide bring it down