I have four grandchildren. Two sleep with a night light and a white noise machine while two prefer white noise and total darkness. Bedtime is tricky already with four exhausted toddlers trying not to fall asleep by egging each other on but when I switch the lights off entirely, I hear, “You forgot the moon …
Ultimate Freedom
“Your daddy preached a good sermon this morning,” my mom confided, concern heavy in her voice. “But all afternoon he’s been resting in his recliner and he’s gone to bed early. I think he must have the flu.” We had planned to take the four grandchildren to see their great grandparents on Monday and my …
Upheld
We waffled over making the two hour drive for the church league softball game. It was so hot when we left and there was a good chance that the team would forfeit without enough players at game time. Sitting behind our grandsons as we watched their dad tag a runner out at first base, I …
I Hope I Never Forget
When I see my sons and daughters with my grandchildren, I get glimpses of their childhoods. When their children struggle with discipline or sleep patterns, I wish I could remember more of what I tried that worked or that didn’t but there are so many blanks in my memory of my early years of parenting. …
The Lie That Keeps Deceiving
“That’s what you want. Are you sure?” I asked before ordering Amelia’s ice cream. “Because I’m having this one with chocolate, peanut butter, banana, and almonds,” I added, pointing to the picture on the menu. “Ezra is sharing with me. You could share with us,” I offered one last time. “I don’t like chocolate,” she …
Remember Your Roots
“The boys have loved watching the seven and a half minute video you made of us bringing Timothy home from the hospital,” my daughter told me during a recent visit. “Do you have it on your phone, Lolly?” asked Thomas, joining the conversation. We sat down together on the sofa as I opened my Google …
Working Together
Friday’s early morning scheduled garbage pick up means our trash must be gathered on Thursday evenings and placed at the roadside. No matter who carries out the bags, the grandkids always want to help. Maybe it’s simply a ploy to go outside again but Poppy invites their help. He balanced them on one arm in …
For the Beauty of the Earth
A sea of green waves triumphantly where for more than two years red clay painted the torn landscape in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. What was washed and rutted, a daily reminder of the storm’s devastation, is gradually becoming a perfectly situated oasis. Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks on our …
Work In Progress
“I need Mom,” two year old Timothy whined as I hefted him onto the countertop in the bathroom to help him brush his teeth. “I know baby. You’re so sleepy. Lolly’s here,” I replied in my most soothing voice. “I need Mom,” he restated, oblivious to my efforts at consoling him. “Mom’s here, buddy, but …
Perishable
I grew up eating trash can omelets, my daddy’s way of cleaning out the refrigerator. We just called them omelets. During college, our late night study group frequented a local diner where I discovered the name on a menu. Somewhat less original, Tupperware included a recipe on their website for “Clean Out-the-Fridge” Veggie Strata – …
A Fitting Reply 