Throughout our marriage, my husband David has often called me a planner; always thinking about what's ahead, using lists and keeping calendars to stay on track. It's true that I've usually had a pretty clear idea of where I was headed and what I wanted. I've been goal-directed and was one of those people who … Continue reading Our Best-Laid Plans
faith
Saying Goodbye to My Christmas Guest
I left the hospital that Monday night excited that my friend Delores would be coming to stay with me rather than at the hospital hotel. Her husband, Johnny had been admitted to the UNC Cancer Hospital on December 2cnd to treat complications from melanoma. I could see Delores was exhausted from spending her days at … Continue reading Saying Goodbye to My Christmas Guest
Mercy at the DMV
It was Tuesday morning. Better than Monday or Friday the news coverage had advised when they showed the long wait at the DMV-- Department of Motor Vehicles. I couldn't believe I was having to subject myself to the pain of standing in that long line. I'd sent in my renewal form earlier than usual. But a … Continue reading Mercy at the DMV
I Don’t Have Time for That
It was a Sunday night and I stood at the edge of the dance floor next to Dee. She'd recently learned about my separation and told me about a support group, DivorceCare for people going through divorce. "I think you'd find the group really helpful. I've been leading the one in my church for years … Continue reading I Don’t Have Time for That
Write Your New Story for 2020
Stepping into 2020, a New Year, a New Decade I can't help but compare how different I'm starting this year from last, this decade from the one that started 2010. I'd assumed that my life would continue on the same trajectory that I'd anticipated of growing old with my husband and being married until we … Continue reading Write Your New Story for 2020
My Christmas Guest
Last Monday, we sat together in a visiting area on the fourth floor of the UNC Cancer Hospital. My friend Delores and I talked, away from her sleeping husband in a room down the hall. I hadn't seen her since my Book Launch on April 6th. That day, I was surprised and thankful that Delores … Continue reading My Christmas Guest
Silent Night
Last week, I had the treat of attending Christmas by Candlelight at the Duke Homestead, the residence of Washington Duke. The house was built in 1870 and the festivities included the old-fashioned traditional Victorian Christmas activities like his family would have experienced. The night was perfect with a chill and slight breeze, enough to feel … Continue reading Silent Night
Finding Light for a Dark Path
This was a tough week. It started with my therapy session on Monday night. It had been a while since I'd seen my therapist so there was a lot to tell. He listened to me recount the sadness that had been predominant. It seemed that two recent losses had unloosed an avalanche of emotion within … Continue reading Finding Light for a Dark Path
A Time to be Nurtured
There are things I learned going through cancer that have served me well since that time-- now over nineteen years ago. One that came to mind on a hot day this past August, was the need to take breaks from your situation by getting away to another place. When I dealt with breast cancer, I … Continue reading A Time to be Nurtured
Anxiety to Gratitude: Making a Switch
Last Monday night, I left the therapy session feeling satisfied that I'd said what I needed to say and realizing that those sessions aren't for the faint of heart. There have been plenty of times when I would have benefitted from a therapist, a trained professional that would've helped me sort out my life; but … Continue reading Anxiety to Gratitude: Making a Switch
Connie Rosser Riddle 