Expectations Can Make All the Difference

It was one of those mornings where expectations of an normal chemo treatment were obliterated – everything that could go wrong, was going from bad to worse!  We had arrived on time for four-year-old Andrew’s chemotherapy, but the nurse hadn’t. When she finally arrived, the doctor wasn’t there yet, neither was… Read more“Expectations Can Make All the Difference”

Put a Penny in your Pocket

My dog tugged on the leash as I looked down at the tarnished penny in the road.  Should I pick it up? “Put a penny in your pocket, and save it for a rainy day.” My grandma’s green eyes sparkled as she picked up a penny and slid it into… Read more“Put a Penny in your Pocket”

Steal Away with Me

Steal away with Me. Escape the chains of responsibility Eschew the ropes of judgement and scorn Discard the tethers of others’ expectations And sit awhile with Me. Steal away with Me. Let the laundry lie in its limp endless loads Seek a crack in the cacophony of caregiving Allow the… Read more“Steal Away with Me”

Karma or Grace

Many of us know popular phrases regarding Karma in our lives, even if it’s not our belief system.  A few of us have wished Karma to happen to those around us.  One or two of us have had our choices come back around and bite us.  Karma seems to be… Read more“Karma or Grace”

The Nature of the Beast

“It’s the nature of the beast,” I wrote to Anita in one of our many chats:  things pile up in the worst possible ways. The end of the quarter looms a week away – grades are due, finals given, frantic make-up assignments might possibly be turned in by desperate students and/or… Read more“The Nature of the Beast”

Extend a Helping Hand

The first one to lend a helping hand was not the most capable-looking one of the group. She was, however, the most cheerful.  She pushed past the line leader and they both stood staring at the creek where my daughter, Karina, and I stood, taking a picture to commemorate our… Read more“Extend a Helping Hand”

He Lives within my Heart

 “He lives within my heart!” It’s amazing to stand in an auditorium filled with Christian pastors and teachers and have all 300 or so lifting their hearts to God together in song.  I loved every moment.  Until they introduced the hymn, “He Lives”.  The song leader motioned everyone to stand… Read more“He Lives within my Heart”

What Would You Try if You Knew You Had Already Won?

What Would You Try if You Knew You Had Already Won? “What time are you hoping to run it in?” the well-dressed, silver-haired runner in front of me asked as we waited in the chill morning air near the front of our color group. “I just want to make it… Read more“What Would You Try if You Knew You Had Already Won?”

The Beautiful Pretender: A Book Review

If you’re looking for a graduation gift for young reader, look no further! (Ok, I loved the book and I’m not exactly young). If you love fairy tales and medieval intrigue, you’ll love The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson. If you’ve read The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest you’ll remember the… Read more“The Beautiful Pretender: A Book Review”

A Living Forward Update

Living Forward Update At the end of March I spent a night away from home at a free campground on my Life Plan retreat. I really wanted to take life planning seriously, because my caregiving journeys derailed the vague plans I had for my life back in my 30s. I… Read more“A Living Forward Update”