When Bill first started bringing me around to meet his family, Aunt Brenda was one of the first ones I met. She set me at ease immediately. Her sweet temperament was welcoming; her hugs were cozy and genuine. She had a sparkle of joy in her eyes, always. She told great stories about the family … Continue reading Tribute to Aunt Brenda
Family
Update on Mom
Back in July, when Mom broke her leg, we didn’t think she would still be here at Christmas. Her pain when moved was evident. Her leg was in an immobilizer, which was big and bulky. We called hospice in to help with pain management. She was slipping away faster than before the fall, and we … Continue reading Update on Mom
Broken Candle
My candle was broken. When I selected it from the box at the church door it was intact. I didn’t intend to break it. I stood to worship on Christmas Eve. Singing all my favorites of the season. A much-needed heart lift. Of course, all my favorites are also Mom’s favorites, so my vision got … Continue reading Broken Candle
Quicksand
Whatever happened to quicksand? Remember Gilligan? Or Batman? Or Tarzan? When I was a kid, it seemed to me that the quicksand was the single greatest threat to life. What a horrible way to go. Just sink and sink until there was nothing left of you…and to try to save yourself only accelerated the process. … Continue reading Quicksand
My Cup Overflows
Having all of my children, including my grandson, under my roof this Thanksgiving has made me more emotional than usual this year, if that is even possible. One, because it is a rare occurrence when your kids are spread all over the place. Schedules almost never line up, so I usually take whatever time I … Continue reading My Cup Overflows
My Sister
When I was 3, I got a little sister. I was okay with her until she started getting all the attention. Full of feelings I didn’t understand, I took a pencil and colored our white bathroom countertops solid black. When asked if I had done it, I replied, “No. The baby did it.” I couldn’t … Continue reading My Sister
Welcome Shepherd!
When I had my first baby I was convinced I was going to die. Bill kindly said, “You are not going to die, Honey.” Yet, I made him promise to sue the hospital once I did, so he would have enough money to raise the baby without me. Seriously, he had to solemnly swear and … Continue reading Welcome Shepherd!
Land of the Storytellers
Ireland is known for its stories. I think the wind and the waves started something, and the music picked it up and ran with it. Myths and legends blend with history and hardship to weave a tapestry of tales. They interlock into the backdrop causing imagination to flourish. The fairies, giants, and banshees, the love … Continue reading Land of the Storytellers
The Churches of Ireland
I live in the Southern United States, the Bible Belt, where there is a church on every corner, so I am familiar with multitudes of churches. In Ireland, the spires of the churches are the tallest buildings in every skyline. In villages, the church is not only the largest building, it is often in the … Continue reading The Churches of Ireland
Train Ride to Adventure
Along the tracks, Dublin and its busy streets fade into countryside. At first the train moves slowly, a reluctant beast, but as we slide further away from the noise of the city it finds its wings. We race to clear skies and lush green fields. Houses dot the landscape and soon there are barns as … Continue reading Train Ride to Adventure
Michelle's Mosaic 