It was so overwhelming, I haven’t been able to put it into the proper words. Turns out a simple act, an everyday task allowed me to get there. I was standing at the kitchen sink scrubbing pots and pans with scolding hot water, in between loading the dishwasher, wiping down counter tops, putting leftovers in…
From the time I was 17 on, I only saw my parents 3-4 times a year. They worked and lived overseas while I was in boarding school and then college in Arizona. Our time together was precious and never long enough. I believe they made up for the distance, the absence and maybe a sense…
Yesterday there were two time-outs before 8 AM. Today there were cuddles, giggles and good morning kisses. Yesterday we had cereal and back talk for breakfast Today we shared pancakes, strawberries and laughter. Yesterday we argued over the TV, my phone and the iPad. Today there was no mention of electronics whatsoever (SHOCKING!). Yesterday we…
The year: 1986 The location: Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa The cast: A family of four: mother (37), father (39), eldest daughter (15), youngest daughter (2). The scene: Christmas morning, parents wake their daughters and the family is soon gathered around a sparsely decorated tree in the corner of their living room. Holiday music plays…
The trees in my front and back yard are standing tall and proud. Many are not. My neighborhood is intact. Many are not. I know where my next meal is coming from. Many do not. I know where I’m sleeping tonight, warm and snug in my bed next to my husband with my son just…
Trying with all my might to hold on to the calm that I experienced from my time spent with my family at the sea over the weekend, feeling incredibly blessed today at my good fortune (and even better friends), a bit under the weather and slightly overwhelmed at the rest of the week ahead with…
Even before I started looking I knew the evidence was all around our house. My first clue was the lone baby sock I discovered in the bottom of a suitcase. He hasn’t been able to wear it in three years. The tiny, white, soft sock, still smelled of Dreft made me nostalgic, yes but also…
One of BlogHer’s 2012 Voices of the Year and big believer in what goes around, comes around, Jenny of Karma (continued) is my Letters For You guest today. Jenny’s letter to her deceased mother-in-law is both gut wrenching and loving. Too many times we let things go unsaid and with this letter, may we all…
Tori writes Kindergarten Stole My Zen and is an amazing human being. We are connected through both grief and joy and I am grateful to have her here today with a bittersweet letter to the powers that be. To God and the Angels, I thought You’d explain the mess. I thought You’d teach me before…
All the items I included on my list last week as things I will miss when I’m gone (Ode to Nora Ephron) should be what I’m thanking this week. Instead, I have a different list (in no particular order): 1. Thank you, green lights. You instantly put me in a good mood. 2. Thank you,…
