In Memory of Uncle Charlie

My life will always be bifurcated by the moment I found out my brother died. He was a beautiful, generous, loving, gifted, and thoughtful person, and he was loved very much by many people here in the U.S. and in Japan, where he had lived for the past 15 years. He took his own life, and we will never understand why.

Watching the kids has been bittersweet these days. They are growing and changing all the time. Henry of course doesn't understand. Madi understands a little. She knows her Uncle Charlie is dead, and she is sad.

It is hard to know what to say here. I will just try to recap the last couple weeks.

Before Charlie died, Tim was really really sick. He had a terrible case of step throat and was basically bedridden for days. Maybe we should have had his tonsils done with Madi's.

We also had a lot of guests for a week (from Martha's Vineyard in Mass. and from New Zealand).

Henry has been practicing his yoga moves lately. This is expert stuff.

Spring is really here, along with some interesting wildlife.

Henry likes hats. He has been communicating more and more. If you ask him a question, though, he always says 'yah.' No matter what you asked.

Madi took a nap today with Spot and her favorite blanky, a gift from Uncle Charlie.

Henry likes this Tigger puppet. Aaaarrr.

I am so thankful for my family. And I miss my brother.