He helped me pack up my office that afternoon, my last, at The Research Company. “You know it’s not you, Connie,” he said and placed the last of my belongings in my trunk. “Just be glad you’re getting out of here.” He was the only co-worker I could trust. Later, I wondered if I really … Continue reading Toxic Takeaway
Month: July 2017
Dream it, Plan it, Do it
That’s it in a nutshell; the answer to the question that people ask, “How do you go about these solo journeys?” Choosing the place starts with the question, “Where should I go this year, God?” I wait to see what comes from inside—my interests, my curiosity, my need. Various external factors have impacted my choices, … Continue reading Dream it, Plan it, Do it
Navigating a Rough Road
Driving south on I-95 toward my solo journey to Jekyll Island, Georgia, I was reminded of my struggle in that toxic research job. When I passed the exit for Lumberton, North Carolina, I thought of a trip there to one of our study sites on a very hot day in August. I didn’t want to … Continue reading Navigating a Rough Road
Into a Life
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was already in a fight for my life—my professional life. I’d left my secure job as a school nurse to give clinical research a try. The company where I landed was a toxic working environment. I planned to escape to something better-- once I passed the one year … Continue reading Into a Life
Golden Light
There’s a unique beauty in the magical moments at twilight, when just after sunset there’s a golden glow to the earth before darkness arrives. Last year when I had a two-week writer’s residency at Artcroft in central Kentucky, I spent most nights observing that hilly acreage as my final act of the day. It occurred … Continue reading Golden Light
Distant Cousins
As I grow older, with time passing rapidly and the future pressing in, I feel a need to reconnect with my extended family. It’s like I want a second chance to know them. Since my mother and father were both from families of eight children, I have lots of cousins. One cousin I’ve wanted to … Continue reading Distant Cousins
Searching for Mama
Today is Mama’s 94th birthday. We’ll gather at the nursing home and she’ll see that there’s something special going on: great-grandchildren bringing her balloons, tables covered with bright cloths and vases of flowers, birthday cake and family singing to her. Thinking about how little she understands now, I’m glad I went in search of her … Continue reading Searching for Mama
Places in My Path: Antietam
Yesterday’s celebrations of the Fourth of July are now vivid memories: backyard barbecues, American flags, booming fireworks exploding into a rainbow of colors followed by a smoky sulphuric smell. Underneath all the celebration we honor those who’ve earned our freedom. I was reminded of that on my solo journey to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia when … Continue reading Places in My Path: Antietam
Transported Beyond Cancer
It’s been seventeen years since I heard the words, “You have cancer.” Now the waiting room, which had always had an acrid smell of chemo drugs, doesn’t make me nauseous. Before this visit, I didn’t feel anxious like something bad was about to happen. My sleep has been good, no lying awake at 3:30 a.m. … Continue reading Transported Beyond Cancer
Connie Rosser Riddle 