My brother called early this morning. He knew I would be up before dawn because this is the Baha'i Fast. We eat and drink before sunrise and then wait until the sun sets to eat and drink again.  When the sun sets tonight I'll be at O'Hare airport waiting for my flight to LA. It doesn't leave until 7:45 so there will be time to sit and eat at a restaurant. Out of the thousands at the airport there will be others grieving for someone they love. Will I recognize them? Will they see me, and know? 

As soon as the phone rang I knew my niece had died. I was thinking about her when he called, wondering if I might have a chance to spend time with her alone tomorrow. I wanted to tell her about a dream-thought I had. I don't regret not having the conversation. My intention was to ease her transition. As usual she was ahead of me. 

At some point I will write more about this. For now I'll share pictures. Maybe you can see a glimpse of her spirit. 

Damina and her husband. They were witnesses for my daughter's wedding in Jamaica. This was six months after her first surgery and the doctors then allowed us to use the word "R word"... remission.

Damina is famous for her weird faces.

She exerted her influence on others.

If there was a child within reach, they ended up in her lap.

Beautiful and odd

Damina and Jason...At 6'1ish she was so happy her soul mate was taller.

My niece and I shared some of the same DNA. I wish I had more of her traits, but a common one we have (along with my father) is not singing on key, though we love music. This morning I went to my parents' grave for a little talk and sang the song someone may sing at her funeral. I sang it bad and for once, didn't care.

We all come from God, and unto Him do we return

like a ray of light returning to the sun,

like a wave flowing back to the ocean.