A good friend can see through your makeup and pasted on smile and say with love and compassion, “You look tired.” Then she hugs you, because she knows it’ll help soothe your weary spirit, even if only for that fleeting moment. I am thankful for my friends. Now, more than ever.

Reflections from the hallway at school yesterday, as my friend and I rounded up our children, and their stuff, at quarter to three, on the last day of school before Christmas vacation. I came home, happily sent my children off for supper with their grandparents and took a long winter’s nap. Well, an hour or so, but much needed and appreciated, when I awoke, groggy but more rested, than when I first lay down.