I bought fireworks the other day. They are for our annual New Year’s Eve party. We don’t usually have fireworks, but this year it is a combination New Year’s Eve and 5 year Cancer Free party. It is a celebration of life and you are all invited. Drop in and out as needed. Bring a … Continue reading Open Hands

Back in the day, Bill worked for a man named Dan Biggers. He was the director of the Museum and Oak Hill, and a longtime fixture at Berry. He was kind, funny, and felt like a friend more than a boss. He was the one who cleared the way to have my bridal portraits taken … Continue reading Mentor

Two years ago the week after Thanksgiving, my co-worker and I were discussing setting up a Christmas tree in the classroom we share. Our discussion went something like this. Mary: “When are we going to put up the tree?” Me: “Are you crazy?! Put up a Christmas tree for two weeks? Do you know how … Continue reading Perspective

Has anyone else noticed that Thanksgiving comes around faster and faster each year? While most businesses skip right from Halloween to Christmas, I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is in the fall, my favorite season and it is about family, my favorite people. I have been anticipating having all four kids home … Continue reading Thanksgiving

22 years ago today, I was in a hospital thinking I was going to die. In fact, I told Bill as I grabbed him by the collar, “When I die, and I am going to, I want you to sue this hospital for everything they’ve got.” What can I say? A woman in labor pain … Continue reading 22 years ago

It is a mountain. You can see it from pretty much everywhere around here because of it’s distinctive shape. It’s Cleveland’s version of the Big Chicken. You can also pick it out when you stand on the top of surrounding mountains. It is a landmark. Climbers know it, and have been climbing it for years. … Continue reading Yonah

Each year at our school we have a Veteran’s Day program. It is an attempt to teach this generation of children not to forget those who lived selflessly before them. It is an intentionally solemn and serious program. Last year our speaker, Trecy Kent husband of fifth grade teacher Martha Kent, was skyped in from … Continue reading Veteran’s Day 11-11-11

As a parent, we wonder how much our kids are getting of what we try to teach them. Wonder how they perceive the world around them. Sometimes we are surprised when we catch a glimpse of what they see. This is a poem Peter wrote for a class assignment. Hope you like it as much … Continue reading Where I am From

This time of year, the word blood conjures images of vampires, monsters, and all things Halloween.  It is synonymous with haunted houses, displays of gory skeletons and headless horsemen.  Or, if you are a regular at Concord, the word blood might bring to mind the crucifixion scene in the Christmas production. (For those of you … Continue reading Blood

I wrote this several years ago, and today I was reminded of it as when I came into my house and saw the glowing colors in my kitchen again. The leaves are at their peak and I couldn't love it any more than I do right now. This piece still holds true...for me anyway. Holy … Continue reading Excerpt from My book