terrapin station

i was driving home tonight after a surprise farewell dinner party organized by a 5yo CF patient for her beloved pulmonologist (and my incredibly wonderful mentor). it was a fun evening, full of stories, laughter, and the entertaining antics of the 5yo and her little brother, almost 2yo.
as i walked to my car, feeling a little bittersweet, i looked up and saw a thin sliver of a crescent moon and venus, nestled in the moon's curve. it reminded me of an old, favorite grateful dead song.

"Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright;
The spiral light of Venus, rising first and shining best,
All along the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon,
While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune,
Terrapin station."

i can't quite explain why, but it was one of those moments when you just have to pause and wonder at the beauty of everything.