Afternoon view from Mom’s window She brings her index finger to her tongue, licks it and points it toward the wall. Her finger quivers, and I think of E.T. “What are you doing, Mom?” “Magic,” she says. Later they come to reposition her. “We’re going to move you up in bed now.” They grasp the […]
Pulling Strings
They streamed in this weekend–from “down below,” “up above,” and just a “hop-skip.” AKA from “down state,” from “the U.P.,” and from home–just a short drive. Three grandchildren, one spouse, one boyfriend, three great-grandchildren, a niece and her family. It was a sun-shining, picture-taking, memory-tucking time. Last night, after everyone had gone and Mom […]
Drink it Up
How many times have I traveled this road as it bends and curves? Enough lately so I dare to look around and let the Journey carry me. It strains to climb. Carmine and golden hills surround me. This is ski country after all. My dad says this road was once an Indian trail that led […]
About That Stuff
I’ve been out of town for so many weekends, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to church. I’m tempted to stay home because that’s how it is when you’ve been gone so long. And I’m still feeling serene after last weekend, not ready for toe-tapping, hand-clapping, drums, and electric guitars. We consider the […]
Monday Meditation: Baggage Drop–Baggage Claim
I leave with more weight than I came with. Not just because of all the great food they served at the ACFW Conference in St. Louis, but also because of all the free books and those I bought after I resolved not to. I’ve already paid for the airline to relieve me of my baggage, but now […]
Fluff and Penny Rolls (Repost)
I’m rushing around trying to get ready to leave Wednesday for the ACFW Conference. So today I offer up a repost. Forgive me? My checking account does not look good right now. We’ve had some large extra expenses this month, and I have not prepared well. I fear an overdraft. I’m glad I […]
In This Good Day
She says she doesn’t want visitors. We tell them this. But they say they’ll drive the three hours anyway, her best friend and family. They haven’t seen each other for years, although they talk on the phone every week. When I arrive in the morning, she’s already back in bed after breakfast and a shower. […]
When You Must Decide
We want to take her home. But her level of care will not allow that right now, and our heads spin with the options. They plan to transfer by ambulance. But it’s only a few blocks. Can we get her into a wheelchair? My brother has a lift in his van, and we decide to […]
To the One Who Heals
My shoe covers rustle along the linoleum floor until I come to the holding area. I find her, eyes closed on the gurney, brown wisps around green paper cap. A tiny lady almost swallowed by crisp white and warm woven. I pick up the chart at the foot of the bed and page through it. […]
God Moments with G-Ma and Grace: The Soo Locks
It’s time to go home. But Grace saw a movie at school on the Soo Locks. She wants to see them up close and personal. And go through them. The scenery assaults me. We’ve come from peaceful and pristine to chaos and clutter. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan side. A place of barges and docks and […]
