There are these times in our lives when our situation, our relationships, are changing so profoundly as to feel like we have stepped into a portal. The portal signals the beginning of a new life, but it is also signifies an ending of what was previously familiar but no longer exists. 

Time spent in the portal is unmeasured, like being in engrossing creative focus that seems to stretch infinitely.

We don't realize we are in the portal until we notice life milestones appearing in the distance, approaching, and then passing behind us. These milestones represent changes that are so permanent they cannot be easily or ever undone.

These times of deep change call on us to marshal our forces, to be strong, courageous and tough, but also soft, gentle and kind.