Is there any such thing as a solitary daisy?  All along the road they're  clustered together, a winding path of light and cheer. They seem so delicate, with such long narrow stems, but not a single one is broken or even bent in spite of 

the remains of last week's storm struggling in the woods behind them. 

Once proud trees lie collapsed like a child's tower.  Huge, powerful roots poke uselessly into the air. Everywhere, is the evidence of the force of the wind, of the power of its destruction. Everywhere except in in these gatherings of brightly swaying joy. 

        

         

It's a powerful analogy of this first day of annual family reunion weekend. My cluster around me, renewing my strength. An infusion of belonging, of lifelong support.