Shortest Day, Longest Night

Today is the Winter Solstice, and here in our neck of the Northern Hemisphere there will be 5 hours, 16 minutes of daylight — thankfully we’ve had some sun. Now begins the entrance of the Light, adding minutes of brightness each day until June. I always feel quite relieved at the Solstice, as if I’ve passed a test by still being in my right mind, such as it is. 

We flew from Nashville to NYC last Friday for our Annual Christmas in New York with the Jose’ Fam. On Saturday we headed to SoHo for some shopping, stopping first at a random restaurant, Jack’s Wife Freda. Great restaurant, if you ever have the chance. The girls picked out their Christmas presents, Melissa, Casey, and I went to a Maira Kalman pop-up, and we came back to the casa. 

That evening, the daughter and I went back to midtown and watched “& Juliet”. It was great, made you laugh, tap your toes, and even think. 

The next morning, we hit Radio City Music Hall for the 10am performance of the The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, viewing the show from our usual third mezzanine seats, sipping Jameson and ginger, singing along with Hark! the Herald! It was our 18th visit — would have been 20 except for the Covid — and it has gotten better each year, adding more great choreography. 

As is our tradition, we met the guys over at Bill’s Burgers, where they had already wrangled a big table. We had just ordered our food and gotten our drinks when Melissa got a phone call. I watched as she burst into tears, crying out Oh, No, and telling the person on the other end she’d be right there. She was melting with tears and grief as she told us that Michelle, Aunt Mich to the Emma and Eliza, had died sometime in the night. We knew little more than that for a long while after. Melissa took off to help Michelle’s husband and kids (who call her Aunt Mel). We sat there, stunned, and cried. Unbelievable.  · 

From Melissa’s FB page…

It is with deepest sadness and grief that we must share the news that Michelle Starrs Bissell, beloved mother, wife, daughter, and friend, passed away suddenly on the morning of December 17.

Anyone who knew Michelle knows that she was a beacon of kindness and love, a brilliant talent, an absolutely devoted mother, and so much more; a bright light to all she encountered. Please hold Abram, Ella, Ava, Susan, and all of Michelle’s dear family in your hearts; we appreciate your love & support as we begin to navigate this unthinkable loss.

Memorial arrangements/details to follow in the new year.

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Yesterday was my daughter’s 49th birthday. She and her friend always celebrated together and had already planned to see some shows next month. Michelle would record “Happy Birthday” with her daughters and send it to her.  I wish I could take away her pain. Insert cliche’ here. 

The Wink grief had gotten me behind on Christmas gifts for the Jr girls, but we’re going to the Mall tomorrow for lunch and some shopping. We’re going to make snickerdoodles, too, so here comes the sugar-bingeing.

Sorry to bring ya down. I’m working on getting back up.

Peace