Spectacular Things

by Beck Dorey-Stein

At birth, each person unwittingly signs a contract to say goodbye to everyone they’re about to meet. Life is merciless in that way, in its promise to end.

What Mia has gained in the loss of her mother is perspective. She understands she is on Earth for such an indefinite amount of time and that the only guarantee is that life is short and unreliable and that it is easy to get waylaid in daily stress that doesn’t ultimately matter. Her gift, if she has one, is simple: She is at her best when she is supporting others.

Sacrifice has felt like love, and love like sacrifice, for as long as Mia can remember.

A steady, ordinary life can be extraordinary so long as it’s centered around family and community and filled with love.

The only way to use your head is to keep your eyes wide open.