We have rescued all of our dogs, but thankfully only one was taken from an unlivable situation. I had fallen in love with our close friends Lori and Harry’s Chihuahuas, a breed I had never particularly enjoyed prior to meeting Ruby Ru and Clara Su. Often when we left their home after a visit, I … Continue reading Rescue
Brother
Many of us grow up in families with siblings close in age. My parents had four children over the course of three different decades. My eldest brother David was born in 1946 when my mother was newly twenty. My sister Sharon followed two years later; my brother Steve four years after that. I was … Continue reading Brother
Changes
Today is an anniversary I would rather not mark. Eight years ago on October 22, 2011 my life changed forever when I was attacked by a man suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. During the five years following the attack, my life became a series of court hearings and therapy appointments. I lost interest in many of … Continue reading Changes
Kindergarten
Last week I went to Kindergarten. The night before, I was worried I wouldn't be able to last four hours amidst twenty-two five-year-olds. I thought I'd be wishing it was nap time or at least rest time, neither of which modern kindergartners need according to most school districts. Instead, I was energized as I people-watched … Continue reading Kindergarten
Christine’s Story
Christine is my neighbor. We first met over the back fence about six months after my husband and I moved into the neighborhood. As we began chatting a connection formed, one we had yet to understand. Maybe one anxiety-driven person senses another on a subliminal level and reaches out to grasp pieces of herself in … Continue reading Christine’s Story
Farley
Farley's first ride with us was in March of 2009, two weeks after Yankee our twelve-year-old Lab passed. I thought I'd never want another dog after losing him, but I found the emptiness in our house and the loneliness in my heart that only a pet can fill too much to bear. So, I … Continue reading Farley
Marriage
This time next week I'll be pinning a boutonniere to my youngest son's lapel for his wedding. Although the wedding plans have been in full force for over a year, the imminence of the date has ambushed me. Where did the past fifteen months go? When we celebrated Sean and Beth's engagement back in March … Continue reading Marriage
Time
A few years ago when we relocated to this area, I explored the most wonderful antique shop on our quaint Main Street. I stepped into the shop not knowing what to expect and became steeped in days gone by. The small room in the front held cherished children's books and … Continue reading Time
Rest
Last night I woke up at 12:52 a.m. I know the precise time, because I checked the clock on my way to the bathroom. I'm not sure what woke me, but as I opened my eyes I remembered the image I'd had. My mind was sorting silverware. I can't call it a dream, because it … Continue reading Rest
Letters
Not long ago I found a box filled with letters and greeting cards. Some were from nearly 40 years ago; a few remained from my childhood. When I opened the box, I expected to find love letters my husband and I had exchanged before we became engaged. We were separated by more than 1,000 miles before … Continue reading Letters
Life Unraveled 