In high school, Louise always got the highest math scores.  I believed she was a wiz-kid!  One day, she approached me, practically in tears, asking for my help with presenting her oral book report.  I had already presented mine and had earned an A+.  She was so worried that she would fall flat on her … Continue reading Comparing

Though my grandfather lived across the street and I saw him almost daily, he rarely spoke directly to me beyond “hello!”  There was a present for us from him on our birthdays and holidays that we knew my mother selected, purchased and wrapped.  While I didn’t feel particularly close to him, I assumed that he … Continue reading Traditions & Customs

Reminiscing has taken me back in time, to when my children were young and loved being read to.  We spent many days in the family room, Legos strewn all about because there was great “building” going on. One of the books I read to them was “The Diary of Anne Frank.”  At times they sat riveted, lego … Continue reading Diary of a Covid-Captive

As we entered the holiday season this year, I sensed I would have to rely more heavily than usual on memories of holidays past since things, this year, are anything but the same. The trick is, can I find holiday cheer during a pandemic that keeps us apart?  Am I resilient enough to make new memories … Continue reading A Different Holiday Season

I remember my walk home from high school one particular spring day during my Freshman year.  Thoughts entered my mind, from where I don’t know, but I remember them still.  As I was huffing and puffing up the steep Bartlett Hill, I made a decision, not realizing how important this would be to the very fabric of … Continue reading Bartlett Hill

With my nephew purchasing his first home, I find myself evaluating my household possessions, deciding which to keep and which to pass on to him.  Do I really need this?  I repeatedly ask myself.  Could he make better use of this?? Each item I touch evokes memories from the past, some more fond than others.  A friend recently reminded … Continue reading Less is More

I’ve noticed that those who are dealing the best with this pandemic are those who don’t singularly focus on their losses and what they can no longer do but who quickly pivot and find those things they CAN do and get about the business of doing them. Without a doubt, there are individuals and families … Continue reading Resistance or Acceptance

I’m standing about ten feet from our home’s entry, in a discussion with my mother, when the outside door flies open and in walks a man yelling, “Linda? Hey Linda I’m here!”  My mother and I stare at him, slack-jawed in a deer-caught-in-headlights daze.  Finally, I rescue my voice from the shock, and think to ask him … Continue reading Uninvited Visitors

My friend showed me her life-like baby boy doll that she has treasured for years.  At the time, she was enjoying the process of looking for a new outfit for him.  Her joy was infectious.  So much so that it remained with me while I was running errands the next day and happened upon some little booties.  Without hesitation, … Continue reading The Ungifted Gift