I had nearly completed a post earlier today, when I accidentally deleted the text, while typing a new word. As I watched the letter “r” appear in the blank box, I saw the “saving…” notice at the bottom. My index finger dove for the escape key. Success was not to be mine. I have enjoyed the automatic save feature because I become so … Read More
Taking Time
Three weeks since my last post. Countless notations in my calendar: “Blog.” Thousands of minutes sucked into some ethereal vacuum. Hubby and soon-to-be-graduated son out of the country. Meetings/planning/work for graduation event for said son. Mother flew in from California for event. School events, carpooling, soccer matches, and social gatherings for son and daughter at home. Work. Paying bills. … Read More
Oliver’s Story Retold
“What would God want with a twenty-four-year old? A young man that has—had—his whole life in front of him?” A man sitting next to me at a committee meeting posed the question to the woman in front of me. The boy he referred to recently died in an accident that involved a recreational vehicle. Preliminary police reports purport that alcohol … Read More
What I’m Thankful for Tonight
I’m going to borrow a post idea from Wooliesocks. I believe that, no matter how difficult things may seem at any given time, there is a positive to be found, if only we will seek it. Time for me to put my words into action! 🙂 I am thankful for: – Publishers (like Sourcebooks) who continue to receive unsolicited queries.– … Read More
Hear My Fear
Two months ago, I gave a speech on the physical facet of loss and healing. “Yelling,” I said, “is an outlet to vent frustration, anger, and hurt. That rage reaction to those emotions, however, often signals an inner fear of something.” After I finished speaking, a man in the small audience said, “I’ve learned something new today. I didn’t know … Read More
S.T.R.E.S.S.
S – Sweets, Shoes, Shopping Oh, that’s right; part of the stress is that hubby miscalculated, more than once, time and cost estimates for the job he’s on. I am experiencing major financial stress at the moment, which means I don’t have money to go shopping or buy stylish shoes. Good thing I don’t engage in retail therapy until things get really, really ugly. … Read More
Re-Sweetening Sixteen
Sixteenth birthdays are important milestones in our lives. As teenagers, we spend months, if not years, dreaming (often obsessing) about the day we are officially allowed to drive. Freedom!! In my area, girls are having sweet sixteen parties that tend to be lavish events where parents rent halls and hire caterers. I don’t recall such parties during my high school … Read More
Breathing
My husband and my youngest son are no longer plagued with an awful cold. Generous boys that they are, they gave it to me. Until last night, I hadn’t slept one night through since Sunday; my runny nose kept waking me. I don’t remember waking once last night, though I know my nose was running because I woke with snot … Read More
At the Helm of a Shooting Star
My oldest son turned twenty yesterday. My, oh, my; that doesn’t seem possible. Twenty years ago we experienced his joyous birth; twenty years since the painful separation brought about in his death. Twenty years… And now I celebrate his life once again. We went to the cemetery on Mother’s Day, dug out the few weeds that had surfaced since Easter, removed the Easter … Read More
Striking… something…
I’ve been trying to write this post for the past week… Last week (which is now two weeks ago!) was a week that kept giving, and giving, and giving… right on into this past week… My oldest son’s break-up with his girlfriend took its toll on all of us. Those of you who are parents of teens know all too … Read More