No, the title of this post isn’t some sort of weird stage direction from Will & Grace.

It’s sage advice from a deep thinker and masterful storyteller.

“shards of light and laughter and grace…” Because our crystal ball is broken. Our little window can shut without warning.

Brian Doyle was — check that, IS — an amazing writer. His book One Long River of Song is a collection of his essays. I’ve sung its praises before. In case you’re too lazy to click on the link, here’s my post from June of 2021:

Re-reading that post now, there’s some eerie symmetry going on that didn’t exist in 2021. One of my best friends is battling brain cancer. Brian’s musings have taken on a greater meaning. And his legacy has a deeper resonance.

“shards of light and laughter and grace…” In a world that seems full of nothing but darkness and tears and cruelty, those shards can be hard to spot — until your own ray of sunshine hits them, and refracts onto others.

Light. Laughter. Grace. Use your window to catch it. Use your window to share it.

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Here’s a live link to Brian Doyle’s One Long River of Song. It’s gorgeous. You are too, with your light, laughter and grace.