The moment took my breath away. As they called his name and he took a few faltering steps, several seniors jumped to their feet clapping loudly. Within seconds the rest of the large senior class leapt up as well. Teachers in chairs onstage joined in and the other teachers in the audience chimed in too. […]
Many women have a complicated relationship with Mother’s Day. While I love celebrating my own mother and all the women I know who are moms, I well remember and often revisit the general malaise, underpinning of uneasiness, and unexplained discontent the season of Mother’s Day can usher in. On the Journey The overwhelm of underlying […]
It’s that time of year. Perfect looking couples in ads, shows, and movies. Stories of love and pictures of happily-ever-afters. But what if you are a never-married single… or divorced… or widowed… or maybe you feel alone in a relationship… The upcoming holiday of flowers, chocolates, and diamonds can seem overwhelming and blues-inducing. For so […]
In February 2018, we gathered around after a family dinner and my nephew announced he planned to jump out of a plane. On. Purpose. You see, he wanted to celebrate his upcoming milestone birthday in a BIG way. To my entire family’s shock and awe, his mother said, “I want to go too.” His mom […]
For at least two years my favorite Christmas song was “All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” I remember sitting on my grandfather’s lap watching the multi-colored lights and tinsel on our Christmas tree and singing the song while waiting for my big girl two front teeth to finally grow in. You […]
One Grey November Day “Oh, look, I found this beautiful flower just for you.” Small steps halted as she bent down to cradle the brown leaf resting on the sidewalk and extend her gift to me. “This is the most beautiful flower, isn’t it?” “It is, indeed. Thank you for your sweet gift.” Her 5-year-old […]
The holiday season brings fellowship and hope to the world but the next few weeks also usher in a deeper level of sadness and despair for people living with grief and loss. For many… A simple trip to the grocery store provokes unexpected, choking tears while standing in front of store shelves and mindlessly looking […]
You Are Not Alone These are life-giving words for women and men in the often silent pain of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. (I would like to include adult child loss today as well.) I’ve had the privilege of hearing many of your stories and sharing mine in the hopes of encouraging each other to […]