With Halloween upon us, I find myself reminiscing on Halloweens past and an incident that happened so long ago. Because we lived in a sizeable, safe, family-friendly neighborhood, carloads of parents with children poured in from around our town, neighboring towns, and even from across the border of a nearby state! Word got out and every … Continue reading Bewitching Behavior
Lessons I’ve Learned
Redefining Grief
“Grief is not always about death, but it is always about attachment and separation.” ~Kenneth J. Doka The initial loss of a loved one can be sharp and deep. I remember, in my early twenties, losing my 85 yr. old grandfather quite suddenly. He sat down to watch the evening news, fell asleep and never … Continue reading Redefining Grief
Ladylike
A friend and I recently reflected about the challenge of having been raised to be good, polite, good-natured, kind (often to our own detriment), understanding, and never-in-a-bad-mood, by mothers who displayed these characteristics in abundance. Not that this is bad; it feels great to be in a calm, loving household environment. But because our role … Continue reading Ladylike
Silver Linings and Gold Nuggets
I’ve always tried to put myself in their shoes when someone told me they had a diagnosis of cancer. I no longer have to imagine what it must be like. Instead, I get to experience it first hand. Don’t get me wrong, it’s certainly not something I would have chosen, but since I find myself … Continue reading Silver Linings and Gold Nuggets
My Angel
I had somehow gotten to the age of 22 without making enemies. I was the wholesome, fun, pleasant, never critical, girl-next-door type. In fact, I worked hard at being agreeable, and was under the illusion that everyone liked me. That was extremely important to me. I had grown up absorbing the message that what others … Continue reading My Angel
An Expanded Understanding of FAMILY
I recently attended my niece’s wedding in France. What a beautiful gift I brought home with me. Since flying on an economy-flight only allowed for a personal bag that fit in the compartment under the seat, it was a very good thing that the gift I brought home was neatly tucked inside my heart. How … Continue reading An Expanded Understanding of FAMILY
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
When I was young, I was deathly afraid of using the phone. I found all kinds of creative ways to avoid using it. In my high school years, I would even ask my mother to make an appointment with the dentist for me. Of course, for this to be effective, I would make the request … Continue reading Don’t Believe Everything You Think
“Cheer Up!”
After a four-day visit with our grandchildren, my husband and I were saying our goodbyes as our son-in-law dropped us off at the airport. Our five-year-old granddaughter, who had been animated just a few minutes earlier, was quiet. I could tell the moment the realization hit her that it would be another three and a … Continue reading “Cheer Up!”
Ready! or Not??
Only in extreme emergencies would I even consider going out without first combing my hair and taking care of my appearance. Too often, I’m rushing about utilizing my last few, precious seconds, taking one last look in the mirror to apply lip color or coax a stray strand of hair as I dash out the … Continue reading Ready! or Not??
Mother’s Day Letter To My Children
On this Mother’s Day, I find myself filled with memories of raising you and gratitude for the blessing you are in my life. I also feel compelled to share a few thoughts that have been stirring in my soul… I know only too well that as your mother, what I say and do, carries more … Continue reading Mother’s Day Letter To My Children
In Search of Authenticity 