If I were to get a tattoo, it would be of the joy captured in this snapshot, on the face of the boy named Amos. Instead, I am imprinting it on my heart. It says to me, don’t you dare wallow in grief or be sad for me or miss one iota of joy in the every day.

I am happy, I read in the face that turns toward the sun. I am content, I feel in the arch of his body atop the hands of his father. If I remember to get quiet, I can still hear the delight in his little boy squeals. Visceral joy is there for the taking. Be still and allow those bright recollections to push away the darkness and seize upon the beauty of today. Choose joy.