As I turned up Middle Road last Saturday, I caught a glimpse of a red-tailed hawk sitting on a wire. This is not an uncommon occurrence so I didn’t think too much of it until I drove a little further and realized where it was perched. I half expected the hawk to launch into flight as I approached, but it just sat there as I turned into Tri-Town Ambulance and drove right underneath it. I pulled up towards the door, parked, got out of my car and turned back to look. The red-tail was just lifting its wings. It beat them hard, leapt into the sky and soared off towards the Atlantic.

I am not a particularly spiritual person, but every once in a while I wonder to myself and question if something I just experienced was some sort of sign. I had that experience with the hawk. It was as if Yossi Kai Monahan was waiting for me to arrive at the ambulance barn to set up the meeting room so members of our community, his community, could gather to Zoom into his celebration of life being held in Colorado just a short time later. He left when he knew I was where I needed to be, but I will always wonder who he flew to check on next?

Yossi was a true spirit-led individual who followed his heart. He was intelligent, wise and a true pleasure to be around. I was always humbled to be in his presence for the uncomplicated reason that he had a deep sense of wonder about the world around him and was always surprised by simple and ordinary things. His presence in the physical world will be missed immeasurably, but he will be with us in visions of hawks that soar above, waves that crash on the shoreline or in a freshly-fallen snow that graces the mountains. He is everywhere, especially in our hearts.

Expressing condolences doesn’t seem enough, but a reminder that we are strong for you, Anja, Mike, Spa and Fynn. We will miss and remember him together.

With the holiday season in full swing I would like to ask, if you haven’t already, that we each light a candle, say a prayer, make a wish upon a star, hold a moment of silence, put an extra ornament on your tree or do whatever you might find fitting for our community. We all need a little extra love and light these days.

Light a candle at the Chilmark Church on Dec. 24, when there will be a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this town tradition. It’s a simple and beautiful spot to gather and share a few moments of peace.

Reaching out to your neighbors who might not be surrounded by family and loved ones during the holiday season is something good neighbors always do. One easy way to do that is to make a dish to share with the servicemen on duty over the holiday at USCG Station Menemsha. Bake some cookies, wrap scallops in bacon, peel some shrimp and give the gift of holiday cheer on Christmas Eve. It’s easy and from the heart.

Rumor has it Santa will be paying a visit to the children of Station Menemsha on the afternoon of Dec. 16. Keep your eyes peeled for a helicopter with a man in a red suit traveling in it. The reindeer need to rest up and a hello is much more efficient for this quick visit.

Admiring photographs taken by friends is one way to revel in the beauty this world has to offer. Hillary Noyes-Keene takes her eye, looks at the smallest details and then shares its story in a photograph. Hillary’s work is hanging in the Feldman Family Artspace at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society in Vineyard Haven. The exhibit will be hanging from now through the end of the year with the afternoon of Dec. 16 offering a little something extra. From 1 to 3 p.m. that day, Hillary will be present to receive us at her opening reception. What fun the space is when a friend’s work is displayed.