Two weeks ago, I was in a retirement community in Eastern North Carolina, celebrating the long life of my mother-in-law. After a lovely funeral Mass, the family lined up to hear the kind words of those who knew her. We were instructed not to shake hands or hug. We could lean in, bump elbows, smile.Continue reading “To Connect is Human”
Tag Archives: family
Treasure Hunt
We found Christmas in the unlikeliest of places My youngest was strapped in a Baby Bjorn the first year our family cut our Christmas tree at Roll Out Farm in Pilot, Va. It wasn’t the first time we’d trekked to a Christmas tree farm. We had visited other places that were closer, and flashier, withContinue reading “Treasure Hunt”
Scrapbooking By a Thread
You’ll find my fondest family memories on my phone Okay. Okay. I admit. I’ve got an OCD streak or two. The kitchen floor must be swept every night. Clothes drawers must be kept tidy. And after I’m done with a text thread, it’s deleted. No old messages cluttering up my phone. Well … except one. ThatContinue reading “Scrapbooking By a Thread”
The Kitty Connection
As my teen grew up and away from me, a sweet little bundle of fur brought us back together My girl slips in the back door after a long day at the end of a long week. She looks weary and defeated. Her big brown eyes are dragging suitcases under them. It’s tough to be aContinue reading “The Kitty Connection”
Even the Bricks Don’t Seem the Same
Who knew how different our home would feel as the kids grew? When I click through old photos on a whim, I am always astonished. My kids were that tiny? The floors were that messy? And the house. Is that really our dining room? Why does it seem like someone else’s? Except for the kitchen,Continue reading “Even the Bricks Don’t Seem the Same”
Snow Days
I remember so fondly the snow days from my North Carolina childhood. Peeking out the window expectantly, devouring the AM radio cancelation list, scrambling into gloves and hats and boots. There were forts to be fashioned, snowmen to be birthed, hills to be sledded. I remember, too, when my thrill of snow was put onContinue reading “Snow Days”
Errands by Bike
My husband is an avid bicycle commuter. Two feet of snow. Twenty-mile-an-hour winds. Torrential downpour. No matter. Heʼs out there. Every day he goes to work, he goes on his bike. His resolve has inspired all of us. My nine-year-old son bikes to school with his dad (itʼs on the way to work). And lastContinue reading “Errands by Bike”