Category: love
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Blankie
Many moons ago, a work colleague nicknamed me “Blankie.” As she put it, my easygoing and gentle nature with others felt like a warm, cozy blanket wrapped around those I encountered. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize that I inherited that trait from my mother. Mom’s sweet spirit immediately put everyone at ease. Strangers…
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Twice the Kleenex
I knew it would happen. I just didn’t know how incredibly bittersweet it would be. “It” = riding another wave of change as our two oldest kiddos launch new chapters of their lives. When our daughter and older son were tiny tots with chubby cheeks in car seats, Joel and I would sometimes reflect, “They’re…
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My Go-To
Anyone else struggling to get it all done, while actually getting it all done? Honestly, I think the trifecta of colder weather, all-things-holiday, and press of year-end deadlines makes my bed feel extra cozy every morning (read: hard to get out of, y’all). Add layers like missing loved ones and waking up to daily news…
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Love ‘Em Anyway
Do you ever have a hard time loving some folks? The other day, I had an interaction with someone who always, without fail rubs me the wrong way. Someone who smiles sweetly at me one moment, and throws digs and jabs my way the very next. The Christian in me wants to love this Negative…
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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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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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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…
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A Love Note for Moms
Recently, friends in my hometown organized a baby shower. As a special touch, they gifted the guest of honor – a first-time mom – with a booklet of love notes from folks near and far. As a mom, I appreciated their thoughtfulness. Extra doses of lovingkindness are spot-on for new moms who feel excitement one…
