Tonight, as I connect with family and friends, via Zoom and Google and telephone and email…..there is, among the noise and the hurriedness, a pause, and emptiness.

There is an inhale and a reverence.

A space held for those who have gone before us.

Those who are not here to celebrate with us.

There is a moment of silence and a moment of gratitude.

An intake of breath that exists before the tears and after the exhale.

Then there is only silence…..and the most holy of nights…..