Whether inspired by a family member, a friend, or someone who I’ve helped to memorialize, I let my heart lead me when it comes to these stories. It’s therapy at times. And it’s nostalgia or a longing to learn my history that leads me to research the past.
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
I was driving home from work today when Luke Bryan’s Drink a Beer came on the radio. I turned it up, and I prepped myself to cry. That song had always tugged at my heart, but today I was sure that the notes riding the air waves would rip it out of my chest. A … read more
Most of us have our heroes in life, and I’m fortunate to have more than a few. My heroes are abundant. Heroes have appeared throughout my life in all shapes, sizes, colors and genders. They’ve taken on the bullies, the misfortunes, the embarrassments and the accidents I’ve suffered with grace, with strength and with compassion. … read more
Uncles are special, it’s true. But when they’ve married into a family like ours, you know they must be characters as well as some of the “good guys.” The Pedersens have been known to laugh a lot, to love a lot, and to gather together often and share fun…a lot. We are that family others … read more
I recently read a quote in an email that was a wish for the coming year. It sparked something in me this morning. I began thinking of my life, of the things I enjoy and of those things that challenge me. And I started to list those things in my head as a plan for … read more
Grief. It’s a long journey where everyone follows a different path. It’ll be four months on December 2nd since Dad died. December 2nd is his birthday. He would’ve been 89. Most of the time I’m ambivalent, feeling that I should be sadder than I am, because I seem to be doing fine. But then a … read more
By Susan Dempsey Sept. 28, 2017 Loren, one of my many first cousins, died last night after a long battle with debilitating illness that started when he was young. He was 62, and he’d suffered, especially the past couple years, with a crumbling spine and all its effects on his struggling physique. I tell you … read more
As I received another message from a sibling about another of my aunts who left us, it hit me harder than I would’ve expected. I always thought it would become easier as I grew older, to say goodbye to loved ones who’ve left this world. But it’s not. It’s more like a sharp jab at … read more
May 30, 2015 “Please don’t squeeze my Charmin, don’t squeeze her so tight…” I still remember Uncle Garland singing that chorus at many family events. We all enjoyed it, but we all knew he sang it for Aunt Ginny. You could see the twinkle in his eyes. What is it about her that he so … read more
This was a eulogy delivered today in honor of my father-in-law: Oh Henry!….Vinn….Dad….PawPaw….Mr. Dempsey…each of us here knows you from a different viewpoint. As one with the least amount of history with you, I can only touch upon a few moments of your life that represent 89—almost 90—years of a life fully lived. May I … read more