Two years ago today, we left the ER grief-stricken and numb after my sister died unexpectedly. We went to her home to be together, to make calls, to do whatever one does when nothing makes sense and nothing seems real. I've retraced the hours of that day today - the phone call, the waiting, the … Continue reading New Chapters on the Journey of Grief
For the most part, February 2024 was my kind of winter. 50, 60, or even 70-degree days and lots of sunshine. Someone online posted, "Midwesterners are fundamentally better people when it's 50 degrees and sunny in February." Based on my non-scientific research and attitude, it's true. By February, the joy of the first snow has … Continue reading Lessons from Winter
The first car I bought was a red Jeep Cherokee Sport, and I loved her. She had the cool sports rack on top I never needed and a magic window washer fluid dispenser on the back window that shot straight back instead of up on the window. My “Goonies' slick shoes," as I called it, … Continue reading Red Jeeps
Mental illness is not caused by a lack of faith. Many who love Jesus with their whole hearts struggle with mental health. I was one of them many years ago. I loved Jesus AND life was heavy and hard. Addiction to work, hurtful relationships, lack of boundaries. Those were the causes that wore my body … Continue reading Thoughts on Mental Health
At the end of 2013, I gave up New Year’s Resolutions. Instead, I adopted a Word-for-the-Year approach to enter a new year with intention and focus on who I wish to be more than what I hope to accomplish. 2024 is my 10th year. However, the past two years were so overwhelming that I never … Continue reading No Word for the Year
You're probably reading this on your phone. Maybe you're standing in another long line with other harried customers; perhaps you're at a red light that forces you to stop in a season of constant motion. Maybe you're at home or work, trying to escape or avoid the emptiness of the mundane or the elephant in … Continue reading This is a Season
“There’s a grief that can’t be spokenThere’s a pain goes on and onEmpty chairs at empty tables.” "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", Les Misérables These words are from one of my favorite songs in Les Misérables. I think of them often, especially around the holidays. Last year, at our family Thanksgiving, the first significant holiday … Continue reading Empty Chairs
November 13 is World Kindness Day. Established in 1998, the day was intended to highlight positive actions in the community focused on our bonds with each other. In addition, it's designed to bridge the distances between all kinds of differences—and encourage unity and empathy across people and groups. Might I be bold enough to declare … Continue reading Kindness Begin with You
A random woman passed me today in a parking lot and gave me a beautiful compliment. After our exchange, I walked a little taller with a wider smile. Such a selfless, simple, and generous gift to give a stranger. So, later I passed a woman in a striking green outfit and complimented her style. Maybe … Continue reading Seeing and Speaking Beauty
Savoring the last fruits of the garden. I cut down the plants today ahead of our first frost this weekend. Cold is not kind to vegetation. It’s far more enjoyable to plant and grow than weed and pull, but it is necessary if I want to grow good things in spring. The same is true … Continue reading Tending Before the Frost
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