My dear Ruthi,

Joy is the morning announcing itself with the sun through eastern windows and the western bank of trees all a glow. It is this silent house and these COVID-rare few hours of alone time.

Joy was in the apple pie(s). She made the crusts all on her own, just as her eldest aunt taught her many, many moons ago. So incredibly yummy!

Joy was the sound of their laughter from another room while I worked on my own projects (and didn’t feel that I was missing out). It was the job that came in. And time with Ben’s mom. And some email love. And all their help with the big dinner. And knowing that family was there, even if not right here, right now.

Where does Joy find you,
right here,
right now?

With love,

Jules