Wordless Wednesday: 3 months old!

Rebirth

Five days ago, my dad died. For somewhere between 30 seconds, and 3 minutes, he laid there on the ground in South Africa with no pulse and no breath. He heard singing, like a chorus, felt pressure on his chest, and slowly came back.

He tells the story casually, almost, saying he died and was reborn after falling off a truck. People around him were panicking, preparing to do CPR, but hadn't yet begun when he came back. For my part, I don't know what to think, or how to feel. I am hearbreakingly grateful that he is alive and here, and I know his body will heal (he popped most of his ribs out when he landed, so is in a lot of pain, but he is ALIVE). At the same time, I am devastated by thinking that my daddy was DEAD, and part of me grieves for his mortality. Every day of my life he's been here, on this earth. Mostly not where I am, but still available. Reachable. I have nightmares sometimes where he's died. I know he's almost 70 and will not live forever, but I am not ready to say goodbye. I am so thankful that he's here, and alive. I have more time with him. Who knows how long, but thank god it's not up yet. I am so glad he hasn't been called Home, that they sent him back. The scientific part of my brain tells me that when he fell, his nervous system received a shock that stopped his heart and lungs for a moment, but the rest of me is so grateful for the miracle that things restarted again.

There are so few people on this earth that know even slightly what this is like...what am I supposed to feel?

Book Review: "The Seven Daughters of Eve" by Bryan Sykes

The Seven Daughters of Eve: The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry by Bryan Sykes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was incredible. Exploring the mitochondrial heritage of humanity, Sykes delves into the mysteries of the seven women from whom Europeans are descended (as it turns out, globally there are more like 33 women) and the primary focus of the book. The lineages revealed by mitochondrial inheritance are sobering, and an interesting contrast to the patriarchal nature of most of human history. I really enjoyed the short pieces depicting the lives of the seven clan mothers: Xenia, Tara, Jasmine, Ursula, Katrine, Helena and Velda. I am definitely curious about which of them is my own progenitor. I feel more connected to the women in my personal history now, even those I've never known, and it comforts me to know that my daughter potentially will pass our mitochondrial DNA on to yet another generation.



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Book Review: "A Dirty Job" by Christopher Moore

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very enjoyable read.  I saw the ending coming (well, the real identity of the Luminatus, at least) from very early on, but I really love these books. They're hilarious and easy, and greatly entertaining.



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There's No Better Way to Say It

Thank you, Blair.

http://theheirtoblair.com/2011/07/05/be-a-safe-haven/

May all parents take this as a reminder that our job is to be a safe haven for our children.

Book Review: "The Metatemporal Detective" by Michael Moorcock

The Metatemporal Detective by Michael Moorcock

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A very enjoyable collection of stories! At times this encompasses Lansdale and traditional steampunk, while at others is more contemporary. This was not a terribly fast read, but it was entertaining. I am eager to read more of Moorcock's books.



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