Tonight I'm sitting at home because of the Coronavirus aka COVID-19. I'm very disappointed because I'd planned to go with friends to a Western dance at a new venue with live music. It's a small thing, I know, compared to the big fears of folks catching this virus that's unfamiliar and has no vaccine. But … Continue reading Found Time: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Our Best-Laid Plans
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
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
The Law of Subtraction
Yes, the law of subtraction. That's what came to me at 3:30 that early January morning when my mind was overloaded, trying to figure out how to add another activity to my already busy schedule. My friends had insisted, against my protest, that I needed to be in a DivoceCare group now, no putting it … Continue reading The Law of Subtraction
Love Letters Straight from Their Hearts
Years ago when Mama went to Parkview and we were cleaning out her house, we sorted the contents of her closets. Mama was never one to throw anything away, especially not cards or correspondence; the same had been true of Daddy. One box proved to be quite a treasure: letters Mama and Daddy sent to each … Continue reading Love Letters Straight from Their Hearts
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
To See Her Face
Over the past few months, it's been harder to visit Mama. I don't know how I'll find her-- if she'll have that sweet smile we've come to expect, or if she'll be bent forward in her wheelchair, at times with a forlorn expression. It's difficult to see her that way and you don't know what … Continue reading To See Her Face
Bare Trees: A Season of Rest
My favorite thing about winter is the silhouetted beauty of bare trees against the light of dawn. I love the shapes of the branches and how they reach heavenward as well as the negative space between the limbs-- forming sky-colored puzzle pieces of emptiness. The quietness of the season comes as such a relief from … Continue reading Bare Trees: A Season of Rest
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
We Are Created to Thrive
Recently when I was in Asheville, I visited the studio of Matt Tommey-- a basket artist and founder of a mentoring program for Christian artist. I subscribe to his podcast-- The Thriving Christian Artist and find the episodes to be encouraging of my writing and my faith. His studio is in the River Arts District … Continue reading We Are Created to Thrive
