Newborn cries are a welcome relief to parents and caregivers alike when a baby is delivered into the world. A collective inhale and a sigh of exhale accompany the mother’s final push, but not before the baby takes his first breath. The whole room is waiting expectantly, and if anything prevents that all-important gasp, immediate …
Chasing the Wind
Amelia and I were outside enjoying the sunshine in the backyard with Jake and Ella, the Great Danes. Out of nowhere, Jake tore across the yard toward the fence, Ella close on his heels. Such outbursts typically mean there’s a bird or a squirrel bold enough to enter their territory or a package is about …
Whatever You Want
Ophelia Rose was my daughter’s cat. Crating her was always tricky but she traveled well. She went on many vacations with our family, but she did not love the vet. When I opened the door to the veterinary office, her weight shifted to the rear of her crate and she would start hissing. They managed …
More Than God
It’s the time of year for making wishes and wishlists. I’m from the era of Sears Roebuck & Co. Christmas Wish Book. Eldest of three, I learned that checking the mail insured I got the first look. I remember pouring over the pages, cover to cover, listing, revising, and listing again. My shopping was limited …
Leaning
“The beach is open, Lolly.” My two year old grandson’s voice turned his simple remark into a question. The sunshine betrayed the chill in the air. No doubt the water would be freezing, but we would definitely be dipping our toes (and more) in before the week was out! An hour before sunset last Saturday, …
Dangerous Cravings
The palmetto trees swayed rhythmically as I watched down the street for the arrival of my children and grandchildren. Occasionally I glanced toward my phone to check the time and to make sure I hadn’t missed any messages. I switched on the Bible app to get ahead on some reading, knowing my time would be …
Drawn To The Light
We added room darkening shades to our guest room so our granddaughter will nap. We thought it would keep her from waking at the crack of dawn as well, but she is her father’s child. He has always been an early riser. She is awake with first light and often before. One day last week, …
Transient
My grandson wanted to roast marshmallows over a campfire but we’ve been in a drought. My dad agreed to build the fire when we came to visit, and in God’s perfect timing, it rained the day before and the day of our visit. He added the wood to fuel the fire before we arrived. By …
Family Resemblance
Don’t I know you from somewhere? You look so familiar. We chat through locations we frequent, groups we belong to, and places we’ve lived. Nothing surfaces, but still I’m certain that this is not the first time we’ve crossed paths. Have you had this experience recently? I’d love to have a catalog of every introduction …
We’re All In This Together
Every three months, I package my son Jacob’s medications into two daily dose packs, ninety days, one hundred eighty doses, three tablets of one variety and two and a half of another. It’s a labor of love but at the same time it’s comforting for me as his mother. I’m sure I could pay someone …
A Fitting Reply 