When I used to visit my gastroenterologist as a young woman in my 20s, my doctor, who had probably been in practice more than a half-century at that point, would ask me, “So how do you feel underneath your makeup?” Because he knew. He knew what I now understand. When you live with chronic illness … Continue reading When You Live With Chronic Illness You’re Always Wearing A Mask
I cried when I found out Parents’ Weekend was cancelled this year. I completely understand the rationale behind this difficult decision. Of course a college can’t welcome hundreds of eager parents onto a campus they’ve worked so hard to safeguard for their students well-being. I am fully aware each one of us, simply longing to … Continue reading I’m Sad That There Won’t Be Parents’ Weekend This Year
We have an old dog. Old as in he sleeps most of the day, has lost a few teeth, struggles to make it up the stairs, and audibly grunts when he changes position. I have not had the pleasure of inhaling that delectable puppy smell in over a decade. And I am reminded of his … Continue reading An Old Dog’s Lessons Amid The Pandemic
I recently viewed an incredible video. Produced by the BBC and part of a nature series entitled Life Story, the short film follows the harrowing descent of a barnacle gosling from its nest high up in the cliffs of eastern Greenland. Barnacle geese build their nests hundreds of feet up to avoid predators such as Arctic … Continue reading My Family’s Leap Of Faith Into The Future
Today I started walking for exercise. Not because I want to lose weight (although it would be nice). Not because my cholesterol is too high (it is). Not because my doctor told me I should (he did). I’m walking because in 10 short months my daughter is leaving for college, and my nest will be … Continue reading I’m Walking To Remember
Today my daughter told me she is grateful for me. To be honest, I think there is nothing more I would rather hear my child say. I know she loves me. I know she cares about me. I know I occasionally make her happy. And hearing any one of these things would surely make my … Continue reading Grateful
My children are 17 and 20. I am (most of the time) fairly content with how they’ve turned out. And I can honestly tell you: I’ve been both a permissive parent and an authoritarian parent. I’ve been their best friend. And they’ve occasionally loathed me. As for lawnmower, helicopter and snowplow? Check, check and check. … Continue reading The Only Title I Ever Wanted
A little over a year ago we dropped our son off at the train station for his return trip to college after winter break. When I came back home I discovered my son had left dozens of sweet notes behind for me to find. They were in the cabinets, drawers and even the coffee machine. … Continue reading A Soggy Message
This is a photo of my two big kids. Over the years they have had their share of disagreements and squabbles. I know for sure they’ve often irritated one another. These two young adults are very different people, they always have been. And I’ve sometimes worried about the strength of their sibling bond. Then this … Continue reading Sharing Their Whole Heart
My college son has been home for a few days on spring break. And in that time he’s mostly been in the house—sleeping, watching way too many YouTube videos, completing some homework. So yesterday we decided to get out for a bit, and we made our way to the local mall. There we shopped for … Continue reading An Extraordinary Slice Of Pizza
