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
The Assignment I Wasn’t Expecting
My son Ben leans up against me for his morning hug and kiss. He needs my affection, this simple morning routine, to start his day; to confirm the goodness of his existence and the security of my love. He is needy, always. Pleading for peanut butter. For a tattoo. For Christmas. Calling to me from … Continue reading The Assignment I Wasn’t Expecting
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
Just Like You and Me
My mother and I, Christmas 2012 It’s Mother’s Day, and the mom mystique is on full display. Flowers and candy are front and center in the grocery store. Pink, flowery cards overrun the rack at the mini-mart. Today we will hear sermons about extraordinary mothers. The ones who we deem are doing well at mothering. … Continue reading Just Like You and Me
It Never Gets Old
Winter’s ice is softening around the edges of the lakes now, the white giving way to dappled gray as the first of the geese make their way home. Death is ceding ground to life in the lakes and woods. The sap is running in the maple trees, and birds are showing up at the feeders … Continue reading It Never Gets Old
A View of the Lake 