In honor of my mom this Mother’s Day, I will read Bossypants by Tina Fey. Not because she was bossy (even though, in her pre-retirement life as a school secretary, she could definitely BE bossy!). And also, not because I am bossy (even though I am). My stolen copy of Bossypants has been perched on … More How to Honor Mom’s Memory This Mother’s Day? With Laughter!
I had a Hallmark Moment this morning. It wasn’t pretty. Everyone who’s old enough to remember Hallmark TV specials and commercials (or who watches the Hallmark Channel now) knows this: if you have a heart at all, you’d never make it through a 60-second spot without at least a slight dampness in the corner of … More The Mother of All Hallmark Moments
Knowing how to help a friend or loved one who is in the throes of grief doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, the situation leaves many wondering what to say and how to say it, often causing us to say “nothing at all.” And if it’s difficult knowing what to say to a grieving adult, … More When a Child Grieves, We All Should Help
The past week or so has been a whirlwind of activity with holiday events and work activities (sometimes with the two rolled up into one), filling up my days…and evenings…and early mornings. Fun? You bet. But even the excitement of celebrating professional successes and spending time with friends I adore can make this girl tired … More Her Breath on My Cheek: Mom’s kiss was just the Christmas gift I needed
Originally published in Bakersfield Life, November 2015 As an only child, I treasured our holiday gatherings, filled with my large and animated extended family. As an adult, I appreciate those get-togethers even more. But now, there’s an empty chair at our holiday table. Even while part of me is looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, … More Dealing With Grief During the Holiday Season
I learned today that my friend and mentor of 27 years…my former boss…has lost his life to a battle with leukemia. I count myself lucky to have considered Steve Ruggenberg a “forever friend,” and mentor at the times I have needed it most: early in my career, and recently as I explore my passion for … More In Honor of My Friend and Mentor…and Boss of Long Ago
As I look out my window, I see a big, bright yellow butterfly fluttering around. Of course I do! Mom’s on my mind today. Of course, she’s on my mind every day but we are in the midst of the “it’s been one year since” riptide. One year since she went into the hospital, one … More In My Heart and All Around — Every Day
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who really gets me. She’s taken my hand many times over the past year, figuratively and literally, and walked with me through what she and I call “the fire.” She’s the person who taught me that, when we’re facing the loss of a loved one (or any loss, … More Walking Through the Fire
I thought it would be Mother’s Day. That’s the day I thought I’d miss her the most, the day I’d be mostly acutely aware of the void, the gaping hole, in my world. Eight months after saying goodbye, I am feeling stronger in general. But I brace myself when I see one of “those days” … More A Motherly Kind of Love
Leaning back in the uncomfortable arm chair, I was mesmerized by the magnolia’s silhouette in the silvery, pre-dawn moonlight. A lovely distraction on the other side of the window, breaking up what had been a long, hard night that would most certainly segue into a long, hard day. She had been there for the better … More Magnolia in the Moonlight
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