I feel as though I’m in a dream. It’s all so surreal… like I’m an attendee at someone else’s wedding. Walking down the aisle with my parents at my side and viewing everyone from behind my veil awakens me to the fact that the wedding is indeed my own. ‘What am I doing? Why do … Continue reading Clarity In Hindsight
Uneventful Moments
“Much of life is a string of uneventful moments,” the television commercial blares, penetrating my thoughts. When I stop and think about it, I realize there is truth in that statement. It reminds me of the play “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, when Emily, after her death, chooses to return to earth to relive one … Continue reading Uneventful Moments
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”
The Magic of Christmas
As I sit here, admiring the Christmas tree adorned with ornaments and lights twinkling like a multitude of stars, I feel the same spirit of Christmas I felt as a child, complete with all the magic that it held. Is it the beauty of this tree? The gifts beneath it that were wrapped with such … Continue reading The Magic of Christmas
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
The Gift of Receiving
After finding out I needed an MRI, I talked with a friend who had one a few years ago. She assured me there was no need to worry. Her calming influence put my mind at ease and my spirit at peace. I asked if she would be willing to accompany me and wait while I … Continue reading The Gift of Receiving
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
What Anger?
“Hi Babe!” My husband greets me as I walk through the door after work. He’s been studying for his Master’s degree and welcomes the break. He looks at me, does a double take and immediately asks, “What’s the matter?” “Nothing,” I reply in a controlled tone. He walks over, looks at me and says, “I … Continue reading What Anger?
On Strike!
Every once in awhile, my muse goes on strike. Try as I might to coax her into a writing mood, she digs her heels in and scoffs at me. I hate to admit that it takes this drama to call my attention to the fact that I haven’t been taking care of her needs. “Reflection … Continue reading On Strike!
In Search of Authenticity 