There are times when change is inevitable but hard to accept. We settle into the comfort of the familiar forgetting that life is not stagnant. When our children are young, about the time we know how to handle a phase, they move into the next and put us at another loss, scratching our heads and … Continue reading Bittersweet Change: Time to Stretch and Grow
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Right To Be Wrong: Online Dating
For over a week, I've had conversations and text messages with a new guy on one of my dating sites-- OurTime. I was initially impressed that he didn't want to send the slow back-and-forth messages that seem to be the way for most of the men. Instead, Steve wanted to talk on the phone 'the … Continue reading Right To Be Wrong: Online Dating
To Lose Your Mother
It was a year ago this weekend that we said our farewell to Mama at her graveside service at Shallow Well United Church of Christ. It was a sunny, cool Saturday before Mother's Day and I was touched by the great number who stood in masks around the cemetery. Family, friends, fellow church and community … Continue reading To Lose Your Mother
To Grow Older
I've been thinking a lot about growing older because tomorrow's my birthday; I'll be sixty-six. Does anyone ever believe the age they are? When you're 14, you can't believe you're not at least 16. You say to yourself, "I must really be sixteen because I feel like I should be. I'm ready for sixteen!" When … Continue reading To Grow Older
Hope on the Horizon
This week I've felt that cabin fever common to the end of February-- only more intense after a year of the pandemic. Spring is ahead, less than a month away and that always brings a burst of energy with the emerging crocus and flowering daffodils. Our governor lifted some of the restrictions and that feels … Continue reading Hope on the Horizon
Emotional Openness: What They Had
It's Valentine's Day and I've returned to the love letters that were left by my parents. Last year I'd discovered their treasure trove of correspondence during the late forties when they were 'courting.' Mama was twenty-six and Daddy turned thirty on their wedding day-- February 26, 1950. I pulled out the box filled with their … Continue reading Emotional Openness: What They Had
Soundtracks of Our Lives
When I was a girl, we had a red and white record player. I remember having just a few 45s and albums. With the albums, I'd play my favorite songs over and over, picking up the needle and counting over to the beginning groove of that selection. My family sometimes complained about hearing the same … Continue reading Soundtracks of Our Lives
Going Home for Christmas
We're finishing out the Christmas holiday. I'm struck by how our lean celebration has left me with distinct memories and a restful feeling that I've never had after Christmas. In past years, our family typically had three days of celebration: Christmas Eve with our immediate and church families, Christmas Day with our immediate and Riddle … Continue reading Going Home for Christmas
Through a Child’s Eyes
I'm a fortunate grandmother; my two grandsons live nearby and I see them regularly, even during this year of COVID. The younger one, David Parks is almost 6 months old and is a beautiful baby with a smile that could warm the coldest heart. He studies your face as you hold him close and his … Continue reading Through a Child’s Eyes
When It’s Over
Yesterday our divorce went to the Orange County court. A judge was sitting in a courtroom and going through all the cases that would have been handled in person by lawyers-- were it not this unusual pandemic year. I imagined the judge in a dimly lit, drafty room, sitting and reading the facts on each … Continue reading When It’s Over
