How is it possible to have gotten to the final quarter of my life only to discover that I have more questions than answers? My younger self was much more certain of the answers she had. Too busy to question much and very aware that some things/topics/relationships/beliefs were sacrosanct and out of bounds for questioning, I … Continue reading One Steadfast Belief
Reflective
Waves
While walking the beach this morning, I enjoyed watching children riding waves. Their squeals of delight brought a smile to my face. Every once in a while, a larger-than-normal wave caught them by surprise and tossed them into the surf. They repeatedly resurfaced with giggles and laughter until, that is, one of the smaller children … Continue reading Waves
Rumblings
I feel the rumble…do you? I’m not talking about an oncoming train, though it can sometimes feel that way. As we approach the ‘station’ of the oncoming holiday season, I contemplate how to manage it all in a peaceful way. To those people who will be shaking their heads as they read this post, whose … Continue reading Rumblings
A Flicker
As I sit here in the quiet of the early morning, I can’t help but make a correlation between the candle I’ve just lit and life itself. I watch the flame sputter and struggle. The wick appears to be too short to keep it alive. Using a corner of the tissue I carry in my pocket … Continue reading A Flicker
Bewitching Behavior
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
Sneak Reading
Reading opened up a whole new world for me. I’m sure there was a time when I could not read, but I truly cannot remember it. There must have been children’s books in my home growing up, but the only one I can recall is the volume of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.” And I can’t say … Continue reading Sneak Reading
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
“You Have Breast Cancer”
The doctor coaxes me awake long enough to tell me that the pathology test, done during surgery, showed no malignancy. My brain snaps to attention long enough to register the good news and then slips back into a peaceful slumber till the effects of anesthesia wear off and I can go home. Three days later, … Continue reading “You Have Breast Cancer”
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
In Search of Authenticity 