We've experienced more grief as a nation this year than we ever imagined possible. Many have suffered heartbreaking personal losses which make the world's darkness unbearable. We long for comfort. A breath of air above the merciless waves of pain. No matter what condolences our neighbors offer in an attempt to…
One might doubt whether more can be said about storms this week, or even how I could mention the topic of joy. Bleary-eyed newscasters continue to report the current path of a seemingly endless hurricane. The stress of the record-breaking wait for Dorian to relent and move away has exhausted…
Father's Day encourages us to celebrate the men who raise children in our world. For those who've lost or never experienced a nurturing dad, the holiday can prove bittersweet or even bitter. Some fathers face this day with grief, as they've lost children to death or estrangement. Those without the…
Crisis or unexpected changes wreak seismic upheaval in our minds, hearts, and souls. All we had planned suddenly crumbles through our fingers and turns to ash. Any illusions of control we once had have vanished. Instead of grinning at a bright path ahead, we shiver in the dark. These are…
Hickory and poultry scents wove through the neighborhood's brisk air as Amber lifted her cherub-faced daughter from the car. White flecks floated aimlessly on the breeze, dotting their cheeks with chilly kisses. A flake landed on Angela's long, dark lashes. "Whassat?" She blinked at her mother and pointed a chubby finger…
After the 9-11 memorial services we observed yesterday, let us take a moment to consider those who suffer from ongoing grief. The following video post includes some tips to better understand and provide support to those who have experienced loss.
She brushed past us in the school hallway. Her shoulders sagged beneath the weight of brimming tears. Flushed cheeks and nose betrayed her struggle to withhold sobs. She avoided eye contact. The girl continued down the hall in silence, as if she hoped to take cover before the cry burst forth. Did she…
It improves cocoa and makes chocolate more interesting. Nutritionists claim it boosts metabolism and immunity. While a little goes a long way, Mexican food isn't the same without some form of this spice. Cayenne powder takes the chili seasoning to another level. Life could go on without cayenne peppers, of course.…
Balmy breezes tickle the green lawns across my Florida neighborhood. Doughy cumulus clouds yawn and stretch until their shapes break. Puffs drift west across the iris-blue sky to visit their reflections in the bay. We could drive to meet them at the shoreline and fashion sugary sand into boulders. Sandmen wear…