Charles and I were pallbearers at a funeral today. Our good friend, Todd (one half of the couple that introduced us), buried his mother today. He was her pride and joy. He was a good son to her. But Jean was more than just Todd’s mother. She was special to many people. She was special to me, too. After my[…]
On Saying Goodbye…
Today we said goodbye to the father of a good friend. It was an informal service and, as is proper for a well done graveside service, a light rain fell intermittently – enough to hold an umbrella but not really enough to open it. I didn’t know Mr. Collins very well. We had met a few times. He was very[…]
On July 4th Traditions…
Today, like most of the people in our community, we celebrated our nation’s independence from England by eating large quantities of mayonnaise based food and sitting around the swimming pool. We didn’t get in the pool, but just sat around it and glanced at it from time to time. The swimming pool is more like the television in the living[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… Surrendering.
In my last conversation with the cardiologist, we talked about what was next for me. I get so frustrated because each test says something different. But, for a doctor to perform a mitral valve repair with a MitraclipTM it has to go to a committee for approval and committees love tests. Replacement of my aortic valve did not need a[…]
On Turning 60 Part III (Someone to Watch Over Me)
Charles and I met in 2012. I was 48. Both of us were licking our wounds after failed marriages. The first couple of years were pretty rocky. Neither of us expected the relationship to last long, but we were having fun along the way. Eventually (in the longest sense of the word), he and I just turned into us. I[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… An Update
Four out of five of the orchids on my window sill are in bloom. The tallest one has been blooming since late September and now it is January. It was a special gift brought to me in the hospital as soon as I was transferred from ICU. The second one went to bloom in November, the yellow one in December,[…]
On My Heart (A Series) … Back to Normal Life.
I went back to work this week. There was discussion with my doctor and Charles about possibly working from home for awhile or doing shorter days. In in the end, I decided to go all in. My co-workers were so warm and welcoming. My boss presented me with a fragrant bouquet of flowers. I was temporarily given a VIP parking[…]
On Sisters …
Two of my top five favorite writers are Nora and Delia Ephron.[i] Nora and Delia are sisters who (along with the younger Amy and Hallie) all grew up to become professional writers. There was never any question that they would be writers. Their parents were successful screenwriters, and it was their mother who set all four girls on the path[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… Two Month Mark.
It is November 25, two months since my heart surgery. I was going to celebrate the milestone by doing a Christmas light walk at our local zoo tonight. They string light displays all over the zoo and sell tickets to the public. My sister’s family and Charles and I had made plans to go. But, it turned much colder today.[…]
On My Heart (A Series)… A Thankful Heart
It is Thanksgiving 2023. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There are no gifts to buy, and not really any decorating to do. Sure, some over achievers like to put up fall themed decorations, autumn colors, some pumpkins, a scare crow or a hay bale or two, but those items can usually be carried over from September. Thanksgiving is about counting[…]