I am reading Donald Miller lately. I started with one of his books and liked it so much I have, one by one, taken on his others as well. Currently, I am reading A Million Miles in A Thousand Years, a book about living a better story. For a writer, it is especially insightful since … Continue reading The Story

I have never planned a Memorial Service before. I have done, weddings, banquets, teas, luncheons, showers, and pretty much any other event. This is my first Memorial Service, but I have found it is similar planning-wise, to other occasions I have coordinated. The main thing…the good thing, is that it gives purpose to my pain. … Continue reading It Takes a Family

I did not start out on a pilgrimage. It began as a “mark it off the bucket list while you can still walk” trip before my upcoming knee surgery. I made reservations to the Len Foote Hike Inn a while back, before Louise’s most recent rapid decline. I planned, talked my hiking buddy into going, … Continue reading Pilgrimage

Louise knew. Long before the rest of us understood, she knew. She knew something was wrong when she couldn’t remember the names of her grandchildren. She knew as she left the casual nonchalant voice mail which said she had a tumor and would be having surgery “day after tomorrow.” She knew two years ago before … Continue reading Louise Knew

My heart friends know there are only three reasons I go for long periods without writing. A. I am too busy. B. I am working on a book. C. I am struggling. Currently, I am busy, because the end of the school year is notorious for whirlwind activity, but that isn’t it. I am also … Continue reading Open Hand

I’ve never thought of myself as a hero. When I hear that word, I think of someone in tights and a cape that flies in and rescues people. Or maybe in real life, firefighters, policemen, and soldiers… people who are willing to sacrifice their life to keep others safe. I would only do that for … Continue reading Heroes

I went to visit Louise today, as I do every Saturday morning. She was sleeping most of my time there, which gave me a good visit with Ray. Louise is in a hard place because her medication makes her sleep, but without it, the seizures start up again. A day or so ago Ray found … Continue reading Like Mother Like Son

I love to walk after a rain. Actually, I like to walk in the rain…but yesterday I missed the rain, so I walked after. The air was cool and crisp, so once I finished my errands for the day I found my old friend the lake trail. Still in my school clothes, I was glad … Continue reading Just Go

How do you watch someone you love fade into a shadow of their former self? Is there a way to let them slip away without taking your heart along? I think not. At least I haven’t found a way as of yet. Honestly, if there was a way to protect my heart I don’t know … Continue reading Slipping Away

Did I tell you I solved the mystery of the waterfall? (If you don’t know what I am talking about you can go to “notes” on my page and read about it.) It did not happen the way I had imagined, with me wondering through the woods on a secluded trail. I did not come … Continue reading Mystery Solved