"Being an active participant in your family of origin in the dying and grieving process brings many profound gifts. Choosing not to be part of it is your choice. Estrangement is a choice and not a life sentence. My experience… Continue reading

There are many moments in estrangement from family that are hard to navigate and one being the death of a family member. Word reached me last week that my mother is on comfort care for a failing heart. My only… Continue reading

A friend posted a beautiful video about giving up Shame for Lent.   It got me to thinking what was shame.  Where did it live, how did it get there and is it more a mental idea or a physical… Continue reading

Aging is an adventure and I know I am privileged to experience it – and it looks to be an interesting ride.   In my experience, you only age outside – I still feel the same inside, the me that… Continue reading

This is one of the first holidays I can remember – skipping – more or less.  I am cooking a dinner for my husband and myself; but there is not the houseful of family gathering this year.    In the… Continue reading

I just finished Kerry Washington's Memoir "Thicker than Water".  The main theme of the book is honesty – or perhaps the lack of it growing up.   In listening to her story, there were moments that helped explain me to… Continue reading

Ghosts from my past can walk up at anytime and say hello. They can ask how I am doing and then go for a swim. They can lay on the beach and read for hours near me.   It is… Continue reading

They say the best thing a father can do for his children –  is to love their mother.   My husband didn't have the easiest of roads.   He and I didn't know my past, and when it was revealed… Continue reading

We traveled down so many beautiful roads and loved seeing what was around each bend. By the time we made it home, we had traveled almost 5,000 miles.  That seems unreal to me.  And, I didn't drive once.  My husband… Continue reading

We took a Spring vacation – heading south and west – towards the mountains. Stopping first to see our two grandchildren in North Dakota. They were so fun and warmed right up to us. But first we had to drive… Continue reading