I read this poem today by accident. I didn’t set out to read poetry today. I rarely do. Unless a dear friend tells me about a book of poetry that is magical, then and only then, am I intentional about reading poetry.

This poem was tucked away in the introduction section of Anne Lamott’s book “Bird by Bird.” Introductions are also not things I set out to read, but this is Anne Lamott. I will soak up every word she has to offer be it an introduction, dedication or acknowledgement.

This poem made me think of both the beautiful and the hard things in life. Would I choose to relive a pandemic, yes, but only because I can see our family growing closer in ways that wouldn’t have been possible before. Sometimes when those daily or hard things produce a bloom, the realization strikes – I wouldn’t have it any other way.