Earlier today, my dear wife Facetimed me so I could see my little granddaughter. My heart leaped to the heavens, and it hasn't come back to earth yet. I hope it lingers there a while.

How I love this little girl.

I've been absent for the last few months because my family has undergone a significant change. I'll share more of that soon, but all is well with our family, and we are writing new chapters of love, hope, and healing. And oh, what a feeling is healing. Most importantly, I'm back and have stories yet to share; stories of the past, observations of the present, and musings over the future.

I wish Mitch could have met my grandaughter (his niece) in this life. He loved kids, and I know he would have adored her. And though little Mitch is a great way off, sometimes I feel his presence close to me, and my heart skips a beat. I close my eyes and thank heaven that our souls crossed paths and that our stars connected. I thank heaven Mitch was my teacher.

I'm still very much a student of grief and growth - and I'm taking careful notes.