Balance

There is balance everywhere. Unfortunately or luckily, blessed or cursed, there are forces that ensure balance. Whether it's the positive and negative pulls of a simple magnet, the promise of spring and the melancholy of fall, or the birth of a child and death of a parent, balance prevails.

Today is November 1st. 22 years ago today a daughter was born to my brother Brian. 23 years ago, Tim had a daughter. 29 years ago, Teresa's mom died from cancer. Life and death balance each other on this date.

Now, Terri and I are living comfortably and planning a nice vacation to southwest Utah and Tim is homeless. Prosperity and poverty settle into a balance.

Today the family travels to see our freshman Sara at college for family weekend. It is a beautiful fall day here in the Midwest and we're all so proud of Sara. Two weeks before she was to leave, we were worried that the little girl who didn't even have her driver's license and loved being surrounded by family would struggle with the distance. But, she bloomed overnight. She got that driver's license and stepped out of her comfort zone into the place she needed to go. She took that leap all on her own. And she is doing great!

When things are this good, part of me fears the balance.