Pretending on a day of great relief

Now is a time of vivid pretending. Bella and I had sushi together, and afterwards her play was about making pretend-sushi, finding little scraps and bits, marbles and bottle caps, poker chips and straws, and putting them on small plates, carefully arranging and discussing the presentation of each plate. It was her idea. I've never paid much attention to food presentation, but it catches her eye and fires her imagination, so I follow along with her play.

I tried to get a good photo of one of her plates, but the light through the window washed it out. I have to make do with another portrait.

Our very dear friend with the rare aggressive cancer had surgery today. A friend texted from the hospital, "doctors said the surgery was easier than they expected." She's in recovery now, and those words give us a chance to exhale. We're holding onto our hopes while we wait to hear more.