This year I lost someone I loved very deeply. At times, the grief is overwhelming and all-consuming. Small things remind me of him- the fountain pen he had sent to me after his death that sits on my desk because he believed I’d author a book one day, the loose-leaf Oolong tea I’ll sip that was one of his favorite blends, the distinct Japanese incense he first brought over as a housewarming gift. I sense his presence when I meditate, when I hike in the Redwoods and whenever I am near the ocean.

He was my teacher and friend. He was also an artist and poet, always curious what I was learning and what kind of art I was creating. I made this tonight and it’s my favorite piece I’ve done all year because it captures how profound both life and death are- and how lucky we are when we can love and be loved by someone remarkable. Everyday I think about him and miss him. Grief is proof of how much we’ve loved. It’s love persevering.

I hope he smiles when he sees this from the other room.