I had a good day yesterday. Addressed Christmas cards in the morning and went to listen to music in the afternoon. The day was cool, the music sweet, and the friends plentiful. There was wine and I danced. Twice. Slow. I like to dance. But the idea of being watched usually keeps me in my seat. The wine helped get me up, and I was grateful. It’s the second time this year I’ve danced. The most recent was in Luckenbach. Oddly enough, the same musicians were playing. Maybe it’s the music that’s getting me going. I’ll have to think about that.

After the music ended, I drove to a friend’s house to help with the broadcast of their Facebook live cooking show. We ate a great curry, a tasty raspberry tart, and the kids gave me hand-written notes thanking me for the fruit baskets with cookies and popcorn I sent them for Christmas. It was sweet, they’re sweet, and it feels good to see them, especially the children because they’re so genuine in their affection. When a child is glad to see you, you know they’re glad to see you.

And right there I was getting ready to twist off into a semi-dark space about adults and friendship, but decided I’d steer back into the light and save that for another day if I even bring it up at all. I much prefer the light these days and love and the memory of a small child walking up to me, holding out a package of Nerds, and asking me in a sweet, small voice, “Would you like some?” And the answer, of course, was “Why, yes. I would. Thank you.” And that’s how a gift is given.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver’s Tale