From time to time, I pause to reflect on things and create essays from my thoughts, Whether it’s a celebration attached to a holiday or memories from family and friends, I enjoy sharing these reflections.
He’s gone. The last member of our parents’ family has left us. My Uncle Alden—Aldy to us—was a still reflection of his father (Grandpa Pedersen was a gregarious Danish farmer), an echo of his older, stoic brother Norm and the personality opposite of his playful brother, Roy. Aldy was the youngest of three brothers and … read more
Marking Time. That’s what we call marching in place, stomping our feet purposefully into the ground while pulling our knees up parallel to the ground, not just limply stepping in place. When I was a band kid, back in the 70s, our version of marching was a proud strutting down the road, keeping lines and … read more
And just when I
Thought love had passed me by
We met
That first look
In your eyes
I can’t forget
You melted me
With your tender touch
I felt all fear and sorrow
Slip away
Now here we stand
Hand in hand
This blessed day
From “I’ve Dreamed of You” by Ann Hampton Callaway
Aunt Florence was known for her colorful language. We need to learn to do as she did, “tell it like it is.”
Just days ago I visited Mom for the last time in this life. I left her after an hour’s visit stretched into an hour and a half, trying to tell her in that brief moment how much she has given me, how much she means to me and our family, and how much I will … read more
September 25, 2017 Lesley asked me to speak on behalf of her and the family today. I hope to do justice to the memories you all hold dear of Rodney, and I pray you forgive me in advance for lack of knowing more of your stories. I hope you all will share those snippets of … read more
I wrote this essay five years ago to honor my mom on Mother’s Day. Today is her 90th birthday, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate her than re-posting this now. Happy Birthday, Mom! We all love you and are proud to belong to you! How many women have had the epiphany … read more
No one will argue the point that this Mother’s Day is unusual. While some are planning to visit their moms, I’ll be here in Missouri, sending my love and best wishes over the miles to my mom who is well-cloistered in an assisted living apartment in Wisconsin. It’s not like I visit every year, but … read more
Many of my peers have already become grandparents. I’ve gracefully viewed their photos and videos. I’ve oohed and ahhed at the right moments and have truly adored watching them bubble over with joy as they watch their grandkids grow. I have two grown children, and I’ve been hoping I’d be a grandma soon as well, … read more