Seasons of...

The past week has been the season of death and life.

Three deaths - one close, one in proximity, one distant. Every now and then, we're reminded of our mortality, especially when death claims someone dear.

Three birthdays, all close. The succession of deaths has made the celebration of life all the more poignant.

The one thing that all these events had in common, though, was the presence of love.

The baby girl, though born with the defect and had not been expected to live beyond her first birthday, had been given her chance at life and all the love she could want in her short time here. The actor who is remembered fondly by an entire industry of friends. The old man who was mourned the moment he was found dead.

Dinner with my father, celebrating a lucky age. Owing a meal to a close friend who brought great music to many. A night of kitsch fun with someone whom I once had to bury in my bosom.

Happy birthday, my dear Sagittarius men.