Tigers and spectacles

This photo is a lot cuter if you know Roxanne is growling.

We had so much fun trick-or-treating! We thought we'd go to just a handful of houses, but our furry little creature really got into the spirit when she saw older kids running house to house, cutting through yards. I spent a fair amount of time preventing Roxanne from barreling into trees or through hedges in the process. Our neighbors were delightful. At one of the first houses, when the homeowner answered the door, Roxanne said, "Come on in!" and started walking into the foyer. We had to work on the concept that the exchange happened in the doorway, and just one piece of candy is plenty, thanks.

Roxanne got her glasses last week, and she looks adorable! I thought I'd really have to fight her to keep them on, but so far, she seems to like them. We discussed it yesterday:

"Roxanne, do your glasses make you happy?"
"Yeah."
"What makes you happy about them?"
"See."

There's no way for me to know if she really can see better, but at least she knows what they are for. We haven't had much time to capture her in all her bespectacled glory, but here's an early look.

Happy Birthday, Albert

Today would have been my brother Albert’s 32nd birthday. Every year, I celebrate the day that began his life, and do something to keep his memory alive. The photo above was taken in 2003, shortly before Albert's 27th birthday. It was the last time I saw him before he killed himself a month later. I can’t believe he has been gone for five years, and I still miss him terribly. I wish he could have met Roxanne -- they would have loved each other.

As I do every year, I've made a donation in Albert's memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. More than 30,000 people die from suicide in the U.S. every year, and hundreds of thousands are left to live with their loss.

This time of year, with shorter days and the holidays, is a dangerous time for depressed people. So take care of your mind, body and spirit. Be gentle with yourself and others. Let your loved ones know how much you care about them, and really ask how they are doing. It could make a difference.

Happy birthday, Albert. I miss you.