Lately I've been taking longer walks and noticing the birds in a flurry of activity with their birdsong on the morning breeze. Bluebirds fly over making quick jaunts across the street from one tree to another. I wondered if any had made nests in the two bluebird houses my brother-in-law put up for me last … Continue reading Waiting for the Bluebirds
Celebrating Another Year of Life
Today is my birthday. I had a weekend of celebration planned including going to a Western Dance on Saturday night and Swing Dance on Sunday night, and in between celebrating with my family so my grandson could enjoy my cake with me. But instead, it'll be a mostly quiet day because of COVID-19 as we … Continue reading Celebrating Another Year of Life
Found Time: Looking Back and Looking Forward
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
Connie Rosser Riddle 