Out in the woods today, I came across a puddle of melting snow, and saw a tree reflected in it. Maria said you can see the future if you look into a puddle, and I looked into mine. And I saw stories and photos and walks and a sparkling cloud of the little things that make up a life. At first, I wanted to cry, for the lost and painful things I saw. But then I brightened at all the warmth and laughter and love in the world.

I saw a lot of things ahead of me, some of them strange and others wondrous, even enchanting. I saw the risks you have to take, the work you have to do. I saw the power and meaning of making your own story, hearing your own voice, walking in your own light. A great puddle. I’ll look for it again tomorrow, but it is likely to be gone.