Category: life lessons
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Never Alone
There’s something about this time of year. School’s out, summer’s on, and transitions are underway. In our home, a kindergartener is now a first grader. And we have two rising seniors, one in high school and one in college. Friends have kiddos heading to sleepaway camps, where kids are learning to be a bit more…
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Good Healing
A week ago today I was doubled over in severe pain, heading to the ER. Turns out that diverticulitis and a clot in an oh-so-tiny vein are the Dastardly Duo. And while all the pain was zero fun, I’m thankful for a clear diagnosis. Clarity is never overrated, y’all. And in this case, clarity gave…
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Loved
February 14 gets all the attention when it comes to love. No shade, but I’d argue that another day outshines Valentine’s Day for celebrating love. And not the fleeting kind, but the steadfast, love-you-even-if-you-act-a-pure-fool kind of love. There’s a type of love that knows no end or beginning. Love that is secure, unchanging. A sacrificial…
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Still Here
Dad slipped away quietly one year ago today. And, oh, how I miss him. I remember that day in vivid detail. The steady rain. The chill in the air. How I knew he’d passed when hospice’s number appeared on my phone screen. How I let it go to voicemail because I was taking our teen…
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Running
Sooooo, is it just me, or has 2024 arrived with some sass and major attitude? As 2023 faded away, I had high hopes that the new year would at least try to be on Santa’s Nice List for 2024. At least start out on the good foot (nod to The Godfather of Soul James Brown).…
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A Fond Farewell
As the youngins say, life be lifing. But, it’s still life. And, this year often reminded me that life is such an incredible gift.
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Papa
This time each year my heart takes a rollercoaster ride. We’re shaking off the busyness of summer. The kiddos go back to school and grow up some more on us. And our family celebrates at least 15 birthdays in September. And this year’s heart rollercoaster ride is right on time. Our oldest is starting her…
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Knowing
Years ago, I worked for a large school district. Whenever we hit red tape and roadblocks, my mentor Carol would smile at me and ask, “Can you live with ambiguity?” And each time I’d reply with a grimace and mutter, “Nope.” I’m one of those recovering perfectionists whose comfort zone is clarity. Understanding who, what,…
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Seasons
Originally published April 2023 – reposting after disappearing mysteriously . . . . Dad’s passing is not my first rodeo with loss and grief. I know that seasons of grief often require a certain kind of energy. Wrestling with acceptance that life has, yet again, changed significantly. Riding an unpredictable rollercoaster of emotions. Toggling between…
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Both/And
Since losing my dad a few weeks ago, I’ve been living in the Land of Both/And. It’s where two diametrically opposed feelings co-exist. Both gratitude and disappointment, both acceptance and sadness, both peace and grief. I’m feeling it all. Dad was blessed with 92 amazing years. His heart and mind were as beautiful as his…
