Dad's medications were already organized by the time I arrived at the house. It was the Tuesday before Father's Day. Two identical trays had been labeled with a Sharpie: Week 1 and Week 2. Getting Organized for Death I noticed the plastic organizers on the dining room table, and for a moment … [Read more...] about Counting Dad’s Days
Pausing in the Swirl of Life
Have you ever looked forward to an event, only to have your plans crumble? "Life intrudes" we say. Or "God laughs when we make plans." Responding quickly to change can be difficult. At least it is for me. If you know people of Dutch descent, you will understand. We are not known for our … [Read more...] about Pausing in the Swirl of Life
Life is Fragile
Life is fragile every day, it's a fact. But there are some days that bring this fact to our mind. This afternoon a friend/colleague died of cancer. Cynthia Bolbach was a wise, witty, spiritually profound person. She made the world a better place with her common sense, her vision, and her ability to … [Read more...] about Life is Fragile
It Might Have Been Otherwise
Jane Kenyon has a wonderful poem called Otherwise?which has come to mind twice lately. Last week I got a breathless phone call from my daughter that began: First of all, Mom, you need to know that I'm okay.? That is not my favorite sentence. She was calling from her car on the shoulder of the inner … [Read more...] about It Might Have Been Otherwise
52 Things I’m Grateful for on My 52nd Birthday
My fifth birthday! my husband brought me coffee in bed my husband always brings me coffee in bed I still love my husband and he still loves me unprintable I had a bowl of grits for breakfast, with butter and salt I like the blue bowl I cook the grits in every morning the full moon was still high … [Read more...] about 52 Things I’m Grateful for on My 52nd Birthday
Enjoy the Passing of Time
The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time. Thanks, James Taylor. Yesterday my husband chopped down a tree in our front yard and I didn't notice for 24 hours. Granted, the tree was small, and dying. But am I going through my life blind? I wanted to notice it's passing. Today I did Step … [Read more...] about Enjoy the Passing of Time
Years in the Making: a Life Accumulation
I suppose these thoughts are a consequence of aging, although people don't talk about them much. I'm looking at my own life, and the lives of other people, and wondering: Did we realize THIS was what we were creating all those years? ?THIS life, the one we're living right now? As Mary Oliver calls … [Read more...] about Years in the Making: a Life Accumulation
The Perils of Living in the Future
Since I'm a planner, by nature, I have a tendency to live in the future just a bit. ?For instance, right now, I am waiting for these things to come to pass: -- our 24th wedding anniversary celebration (in 6 days) -- my cat's ear infection to heal -- our younger daughter to come home from … [Read more...] about The Perils of Living in the Future