By Michele
Learning to Focus
Monday, July 26th, 2010The death of someone instrumental in our lives instantly changes our view of the world. Ordinary things are suddenly fraught with meaning, and insignificant moments become unexpectedly precious. After my husband Phil’s death I remember thinking that grief swooped in and stole my rose colored glasses…leaving me with a pair of dark shades instead.
This darker [...]
When Someone You Love is Grieving
Monday, June 14th, 2010Death is an inevitable part of the circle of life. Yet the final separation of one loved one from another often leaves bystanders feeling helpless, and maybe at a loss for what to say or how to help those who are left behind. When my husband died in an accident almost five years ago, I [...]
My Graduate
Monday, May 31st, 2010On May 29Th my little girl graduated from High School. The ceremony took place in a beautiful garden with an audience full of proud family and friends and an air of hope for the future all around. My mind drifted back to a time in my own life when naivety and optimism were companions I [...]
Memories and Shoes
Monday, May 17th, 2010My husband LOVED shoes. Phillip owned shoes for all occasions and athletic events—some were kept only for their sentimental value. To him, each pair either served a purpose or told a story, so there was no getting rid of them. This caused a serious storage issue. In addition to his side of the closet, he [...]
In My Son’s Words
Monday, April 19th, 2010Some days I find being a single parent to be mentally exhausting. Keeping up with my life, and the lives of my three teenagers, often leaves my brain feeling like mush. As I was thinking about my post today, I came across this short essay that my seventeen year old son wrote (because he had [...]
What I Believe In
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Before my husband Phil died I could have easily created a long list of my personal beliefs. This list would have included ideas about both the tangible and the intangible; broad concepts and specific ideals; God and mortal beings. There would probably even have been a mention of death and eternity…but only in the abstract [...]
Facing Death Together
Monday, March 8th, 2010Motherhood brings out the lioness in me. No task is too small or sacrifice too great to ensure the well being of my three children. In my mind’s eye I can see myself jumping in front of an on-coming train to save their lives; feeding them first from my last ration of bread; offering myself [...]