The sudden intake of compressed air caused me to lose five minutes worth of air from my tank in one big gulp. Seeing the shark veering towards me, both of us 70 feet below the surface, caused me to wrestle with the paradox of staying calm while simultaneously filling myself with adrenaline and terror. The shark gave no indication as to her interest in me, or lack thereof, a silent predator whose species had evolved over millions of years with no comprehension of fear, only an all encompassing…See More

A coffin wasn’t laid in the ground because the ashes were on the mantel.  Would a cemetery goodbye have been more or less traumatic than staring endlessly at the marble urn?  Green marble above the fireplace leads to a contemplation of fire, ash, and the efforts involved in trying to store human essence and memories. Yet my memories don’t seem to be stored internally but rather they seem to float invisibly around me, waiting for the most opportune moments for their relentless assaults.  I can’t…See More