Puzzles in Memory of a Friend

Every Christmas season after the chaos of visiting, cooking, and rushing is over, I start what I call Puzzle season. My family and friends know that I will be busy puzzling, posting the finished versions, and passing on my puzzles at this time of year.

Today, I was remembering how it started. 

It started with a close friend and colleague who loved to look for beautiful puzzles in her travels, who enjoyed spending the time at her puzzle table, who lacquered her finished puzzles, framed them, and put them up in her house. 

This beautiful friend passed away from cancer before the age of 50. But her light shines on. Many of us recall her love of the French language and culture, of collecting ornamental frogs, her squeaky voice and laugh, her love of puzzles, and her wonderful relationships with her family, friends, and students. But mostly we remember the light that she was for all of us. We remember her presence.

We carry the lights of those we love, those that have passed, and those that are still present. Often we continue some tangible action or create a memory to remember their light by - a tattoo, baking a special recipe, retelling a story. This way, their light continues to be present among us. 

Their lights continue to make a difference in the world. 

Their unique and precious lights continue to give light to many.

Continuing this tradition of puzzle building is a reminder to me that each person has a special light within that needs to be shared with the whole. We are called to be our own unique light for those around us even if we don't accomplish big things. Recognizing and sharing your own light is really all that is necessary in life.