This is the Best Kind of Going Home Again
You can’t go home again, or at least that’s what I’ve heard. Throughout my life I’ve had many opportunities to “go home” again, and I can honestly say, for the most part I’m glad I went. Oh, there were the times that broke my heart, but not because things had changed....
Simple Things Unleash Memories of Loved Ones
It happened again today. One seemingly random hymn unleashed a flood of emotions. Anyone who knows me well would agree that it doesn’t take much for me to get blurry-eyed with tears -could be a Hallmark commercial, a TV program that features dropping a child off at...
Loved Ones Help Us Weather Life’s Storms
Lately it's been a series of ups and downs in the world, the community, and in our family. People are finding their voices, weather is wreaking havoc, and personal battles wage. Our seven - year-old great niece is fighting for her life after a bout with the flu, our...
Finding Peace, Hope For a Grieving Heart
Eighteen years ago a little boy walked into my classroom and told me his cousin had died. He was devastated and this was one problem I couldn’t fix. We talked, he cried, we talked some more, we both cried. I was thankful he trusted me with his broken heart, but I...
Memories
Lately I’ve been wondering … is it possible for memories to be truly contained in plastic totes and cardboard boxes? In our attic are rows upon rows of totes and boxes, filled with tangible proof of our kids’ “moments” and our own. I suspect those restless memories...
We Have the Power to Change Our World
The day felt dark though the sun was shining brightly, and the air was heavy with words and images that kept reminding me of the stink of evil. I found it ironic that the unknown was front and center, blinding in its invisible presence. On that dark, sunny day, I had...
I Love the Airport
I love the airport. I spend a fair amount of time there, and I go of my own free will; no one has to twist my arm. I understand why many people say that they hate the place-flights aren’t on time, baggage is held up, security is a pain-but I still love it....
My Daughter’s Getting Married
Four words are in the forefront of my life lately – My daughter’s getting married. For those of you who have been down this road, my sentiments will probably sound eerily familiar; for those of you not quite there yet, it’s a milestone to anticipate. If you’re like...
An Uninvited Guest Heats Up the Holidays
December tends to bring out the crisis mode in our family. One December in particular stands out as truly classic. Our old farmhouse was the perfect place for entertaining; it was big enough to allow for roaming, and cozy enough with the two fireplaces blazing, to...
What I Wanted To Say Was…
“What’s new?” Seems like an innocent enough question, but in context, it was the funniest thing I’ve ever heard! It came from a high school friend I hadn’t seen for 45 years, and when she said it we all laughed and said, “In five words or less how’s your life?” We...
Buffalo’s Best Husband Resides With Me!
Buffalo’s Best Husband? He resides with me, sharing my greatest joys and my deepest sorrows. Dave Barton - a tall, handsome, hardworking gentleman /gentle man; he’s respected and admired, he’s a loyal friend who cares deeply and laughs easily. He’s an...
A Little Bit of Old Time Magic
They say you can’t go back again. The past is the past, so leave it there. It’s not so easy to do when thoughts of a deliriously happy time or place tug, tug at you, teasing with flashes of memories, sounds of laughter and smiling faces. The tempting triggers that...
Here We Go Again
The holiday season is upon us, and in my family as in many others, that means togetherness. During the next several weeks, we will have all kinds of reasons to gather at my mom’s house; people will arrive from all points North, South, East and West. No holiday season...
Next Rest Area
Next Rest Area 35 Miles. I thought nothing of this sign on a recent trip to Ann Arbor, other than to ask if anyone needed to stop, or could they wait. Of course the mere suggestion of needing to stop was enough to gain consensus. The turn signal was immediately...
One Person
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. How many billions of words then, were unspoken as the people of our country and around the world struggled to look at the photographs from Boston. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who saw them through winced eyes; the sight...
Power Unleashed
I have always thought the Niagara Power Project was the largest generator of power in New York State; it wasn’t until this past November that I discovered I was wrong. Our family suffered a one-two punch in the gut, a stunning setback to our seemingly carefree,...