Lights, time, cough

* A string of lights that join with others to mark the perimeter of the backyard is burnt out. With each footstep I break through the crusted snow to replace the string.

* A person who acknowledges reality and calmly goes about what needs to be done in the short time left.

* My lodger quietly lives downstairs until I hear a cough and remember he is there. I am so grateful he is there in his enduring way while I walk new paths.