In these pages, we share reflections and memories of simpler as well as more complex times, how we learned to love, what it means to suddenly lose a parent, and how the most difficult and challenging experiences might be reframed as invitations to grow.

The following essays, stories, and poems illuminate our lessons, loves, and losses to this point, fifty years and counting. The meaning we have made of our experiences is distinguished by the gracious and instrumental people we have met and known, the deep and essential relationships formed and, equally important, the memories created, and the lessons learned. Time and connection are our greatest life gifts; and while time is finite, our connections and memories live on through each of us indefinitely. We invite readers to make connections to their own journey and life experiences through the "planting seeds" section and reflection questions at the end of each chapter.