I believe that this photo was the last photo taken of my mom at home. The empty chair was where my dad, Clarence, sat. Out of habit and respect, family members rarely sat in this chair, though my dad was never possessive about his place in the family room. My mother was happiest at home, but who isn't?

I have been thinking today about the events that bring families together: births, baptisms, graduations, weddings, retirements and eventually funerals. And as long as all those events come in proper sequence, it's all good. It is the circle of life.

And empty chairs are eventually occupied again.