January 24, 2025

Good morning!

It’s Friday, and I’ve been making my rounds through all the boulangeries within a five-minute walk of our apartment. One week in, and I still haven’t hit them all.

Every morning I get up and head out in a different direction. I pass the dog-walkers and the workers and the students and the parents pushing strollers and, my favorite, the adult patiently walking alongside a child who’s in the middle of making a very important point about something extremely important.

A few days ago, I passed a young girl in the midst of an impassioned discourse about crème anglaise with her little brother. I didn’t even know what crème anglaise was until about 10 years ago, and there she was, barely 10 and already a seasoned pro.

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.”

—Henri Nouwen

Respiteers, shall we gather in our imaginary pavilion at 2pm EST to celebrate our shared humanity? I’d love to see you. As always, check your inbox right before the hour.

Onwards we go,

Clara