Since Mom and Dad have passed, we have seen winks and nods from them. I don't know what you believe about these things, but I believe they are sent to comfort and heal our hearts. We have seen lots of them because we are looking for them. When we did Mom's last rites I told … Continue reading Winks and Nods
Thanksgiving
Snapshots of Thankfulness
Walking down the gravel road, stirring up the dust with each footfall I was sweating. The heat of the Nicaraguan day had me longing for shade. Our group of Americans, equipped with an interpreter, was on a prayer walk through the barrio. Speaking to the people, spending time with them was our joy. They had … Continue reading Snapshots of Thankfulness
From the Kitchen of…
I come from a long line of southern cooks. Hand prepared meals are our family love language. For every occasion, there is a recipe. For every cook, there is a taste. When we sat down to eat Thanksgiving dinner, each person was represented on our plate. Both Grandmothers, my Aunt Betty, and of course Mom. … Continue reading From the Kitchen of…
Cranberry Sauce
Sometimes grief comes galloping into the heart like a battering ram at the front door, forcing its way inside. Other times grief sneaks in the back door, like a thief, and makes its way to the table. On big days, such as Thanksgiving, the heart knows to guard the front door. All the memories come … Continue reading Cranberry Sauce
I Am Soooo Full!
I am sooo full! These words are common this time of year, expected even. Families sit around tables laden with food, the traditional dishes of generations are laid out before us. If their recipes don the table, somehow our grandmothers are there, too. The more matriarchs die, the bigger the feast. Honestly, my foremothers would … Continue reading I Am Soooo Full!
Thankfulness
The rain is pattering on my window and I am thankful. The dogs are snoring nearby and I am thankful. The blanket on my lap is warm and cozy and I am thankful. Being full of thanks does not require circumstances to be perfect. Neither does it require material things. In fact, stuff sometimes … Continue reading Thankfulness
Cure for the Blues
There is something about thankfulness. It has the power to change thought patterns. It gives birth to hope. It banishes despair, and opens eyes to see life. A holiday that has gratefulness as its centerpiece is a refreshing change from our daily negativity and complaining. Not that we always realize we are being negative. Sometimes … Continue reading Cure for the Blues