My son jumps off the side of the pool into the water without fear.

We visit the beach, even in winter, and remark on how lucky we are to live here.

My son turns six, and I turn 46, the same age my mother was when her husband, my father, died.

I finish the draft of a new manuscript.

My second book is published.

Someone gives the book a one-star review and I pretend that it doesn’t bother me.

We celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary.

I realize I have been married to my husband for longer than I knew my father.

We go on vacation and drink a lot of wine.

My son reads a book to me.

Someone hurts my feelings.

I hurt someone’s feelings.

We get a new dog.

My son asks me a question that is painful to answer.

I face a dark night of the soul.

My hope is renewed.

Someone dies.

A child is born.