A full year has passed.

It has been an eventful, if a bit dour experience at times, lacking the presence of one so beloved as Mother. Life does move on but not without distinct, new challenges. I have missed her calming presence but Pops is a complete wreck without it. It can be more difficult trying to help him get past it but I am starting to think he never will. Not because he is actually incapable but more because he is simply unwilling... and I can't blame him for it no matter how self-destructive it seems to be. And life moves on for everyone. We are coming into the holiday season and who knows what will follow all of that. It's all part of the journey in one way or another.

I've stayed busy.

Which is a generally pleasant way to be. It could be a positive diversion from any emotional challenges one might expect for me at this time of year but it might also be called escapism... I am not sure what connotation that might even have. Anyway, I am slowly edging into the winter months which usually means my work will be slowing down a lot, relatively soonish. I suppose the slower pace will be nice.