Above: Mom with several of her nine grandchildren Since December of 2021, I’ve been a full-time caregiver for my mom, 87, who suffered a stroke in November 2021. I’ve learned a few things about caregiving — and am still learning — so I thought I’d share some things...
If we're connected on any social network, you know by now that we lost one of our four dogs on Christmas Day. We're not really sure what happened, but the best guess is that she had an illness we didn't know about and just found a place in my mom's back yard to curl...
One of the things I'm proudest of is the fact that Jim and I will celebrate 26 years of marriage next month. No small feat to find someone who will put up with me for that long. We have learned a lesson or two in the process, so I thought I'd share a few. First, you...
Yes, it is possible to communicate with teenagers — in fact, I believe most of the time they really want to invite us into their world. But what happens when they do? When they want to share their ideas about music, clothes, activities, do we call it stupid or let...
If you’re a mom, you feel what your children feel. When they are tiny and they have colic and cry, you’re at least as miserable as they are.
A very long time ago, when I had a tiny baby, someone told me that successful parenting is a series of letting go moments. I didn't believe it then. But now that I've lived it, I know it's true. I remember holding her, rocking her, inhaling the baby smells, feeling...
25 Years of Marriage Twenty-five years ago this moment I was doing my nails and fluffing up my 80s hair in preparation for my wedding. The Back Story Jim and I dated in high school. I was two years older, so I had to drive on all of our dates. He had a shiny new...
For the past few years, I've made a complete Thanksgiving dinner at our house before we celebrate with extended family. It's the one time each year we get out the china, silver and Waterford crystal and eat by candlelight in the dining room. It takes all day to...
Race Update Elizabeth finished the Atlanta Marathon with an unofficial (as of now) time of 4:40. She's exhausted and hurting all over and on her way back to Memphis. Congratulations, sweetheart, we're so happy for you! Here's what she had to say about it on Twitter....
Yesterday marked the one-week point since the hysterectomy. I've always believed that there is good to be found in any situation. Here are a few thoughts after one week: A good support system is a must. But it's crucial to actually let them help. I don't like being...
As much as I love writing, there is writing, and there is ... writing. I was asked to write an obituary for my beloved 95-year-old grandmother, who passed away a few days ago. I consider it an honor to have known her, to have loved her and to offer this final tribute....
I'm a fan of tradition, especially at Christmas. Some of our traditions are warm, loving and spiritual. And some are downright ... um, quirky. Candlelight and Carol service at the church we grew up in Mass family sleepover on Christmas Eve at my mom's; all the kids...
This countdown is getting serious. She leaves in One. Week. What do you do the last week before your last child leaves for college? It's busy for her as she says goodbye to her friends, packs and cleans her trash pit dumping zone room. Busy for me as I plan the...
In 20 days, my youngest daughter, Sara Ann, leaves for college. It’s the most significant life change since I first became a mother in 1988. I’ve been counting down the days, not to be morbid, but because it's easier for me to process if I'm aware of what is...
About 17 years ago (June 13, 1993), my Daddy left this earthly life. Each year at this time I write about him and one or more of the qualities that made him the kind of man I want to write about 17 years after his death. This year, it’s idealism. His idealism was best...
My youngest child can now: Vote, Buy cigarettes, Get a tattoo, Sign a lease, Get married, Join the military, Be prosecuted as an adult. I hope she does 1 and 5 (but let's wait a few years for 5), 3 is coming soon, I figure she'll do 4 in a year or so and hope she'll...
My Christmas tree doesn't look like much anymore. In fact. there are no gifts under the tree at all. There isn't even a tree skirt; the dogs just keep playing with it and doing their business on it, so what's the use? These days, the girls' Christmas lists just...
Today would have been my Daddy's 75th birthday. I always write about him on his birthday and reflect on his impact on my life. One of the qualities he lived and taught by example is giving. Many times after he visited, we would find a $100 bill tucked away in some...
Twice each year I get very sentimental about my Daddy; the week of the anniversary of his death and on his birthday, October 4. He died June 13, 1993, after a sudden, completely unexpected massive cerebral hemorrhage. Before that day his health was perfect, he was an...