We pulled off the highway, bumped our way down a tiny side road, and stopped in a small area with fast food wrappers and cigarette butts scattered around it. The sounds of traffic faded into the background as we climbed out of the car and viewed the rugged track before us. The Via Egnatia, once … Continue reading Footsteps Left
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Saying Our Prayers
We removed our shoes and stepped into the Blue Mosque, one of Turkey’s most famous sights. The decorated domes soared over our heads as we pressed in to see this remarkable building. The tourist crowd surged around us, snapping pictures and selfies in the beautiful, and yet empty, room, the large carpeted area cordoned off … Continue reading Saying Our Prayers
The Real War
Photo by u00d6mer Faruk Yu0131ldu0131z on Pexels.com Some of us remember when the world’s suffering was relegated to one hour on the nightly news. We watched a sober-faced newscaster recount famines and wars and disasters in far-off places with sorrow in our hearts, and then we returned to a sink full of dishes or our … Continue reading The Real War
A Gift of Chestnuts
We plopped onto a shady bench, weary physically from touring one of Istanbul’s famous mosques in the heat. Weary spiritually from what we’d observed in the intricately decorated building packed with tourists yet devoid of life. “I am old,” my husband sighed to the Turkish man beside us, snacking on a bag of chestnuts. He … Continue reading A Gift of Chestnuts
The List on the Door
We kept a list inside our pantry door when we lived in the mountains. It was an evacuation list. And like the earthquake supplies we stored under the stairs, I kept it updated, just in case. When smoke billowed over the ridge, we packed our papers and our treasures in case we needed to leave. … Continue reading The List on the Door
The Audacity of Disability
My son Ben holds tightly to the tissue-paper torch at his Special Olympics meet. He should be settled in a career by now, I think, raising a family and making his mark on the world. But instead he clutches this small honor like it is the real Olympic torch, eyes bright with the seriousness of … Continue reading The Audacity of Disability
Come
Perhaps it was the diagnosis. The abandonment. The failure. Maybe it was that one great rejection. That loss that saps color from your life, wrapping you in its invisible shroud. You smile and laugh, performing like an Oscar is on the line. But the wound eats at your heart, reminding you of its presence; demanding … Continue reading Come
It Is What It Is
“It is what it is,” he shrugged. “Nothing we can do about it now.” I sighed in frustration. Was that all? No anger? No complaining? I wanted to bemoan it for awhile. To vent my frustration. But that little phrase sucked the air out of my protest. “It is what it is”, she said sadly, … Continue reading It Is What It Is
Stacking Rocks
After navigating miles of narrow country roads, we finally located the small dirt lot and pulled to a stop, gazing around at the Scottish countryside. According to our map, there was supposed to be a castle nearby, but we couldn’t spot it. A marked path led over a creek and through a wooded area so … Continue reading Stacking Rocks
Let’s Pray Real Quick
“Okay, ladies!” the women’s leader called us to order. “I’ll pray real quick and then we can get started.” The small group leader glanced at his watch. “Our time’s up. Let’s pray real quick, and I'll let you go.” The ministry leader finished up the last agenda item. “I suppose we should pray real quick … Continue reading Let’s Pray Real Quick
A View of the Lake 