Giving Grace
Sometimes life brings challenges. Circumstances beyond our control or even misguided expectations for ourselves. I recently found myself in that position with an extensive “to do” list. After agonizing over my situation, I had a long phone conversation with Claudine, my sweet cousin-by-marriage, and I’m so glad to have her in my family. While lamenting…
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Looking For Butterflies
I love a good story, especially when it involves 5-year-olds. My son, Aaron, is a school administrator and also bears the title of Director of Arts Integration. Though I won’t try to explain that, it’s the reason he happened to be with a group of kindergarteners who had been studying the life cycle of butterflies….
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Super Moms
I had planned to write a tribute to mothers in general for my May column then “life” happened. On an April Sunday, my son, Jay twisted his knee badly and fell. When I got to him, he was ghost white and clammy. Since he has a history of syncope, I got him flat on the…
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Birthday Boys
Within the space of three weeks, I get to celebrate both of my boys’ birthdays. One born in March. The other in April. My oldest and youngest—eight years apart. These sons of mine bring me pure joy! With the pandemic and residing in different states, we “party” through FaceTime. Though not my preferred type of…
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I Choose Love!
Ten years ago this month, my late husband, Carl and I celebrated our last wedding anniversary together—45 years. Neither of us had any way of knowing that exactly three months from that date, I would be attending his memorial service. So today, I celebrate my 55th anniversary alone. But since Carl and I spent the…
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Sweet Memories
Tonight, as I fixed a cup of hot tea—my evening calm—the aromatic smell brought back a memory of yesteryear. I was sixteen years old and in the hospital for the first time ever. Pneumonia. When asked what I wanted to drink for my evening meal, I requested tea, picturing a tall glass of the golden…
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That Ain’t Normal!
When I was in college, I spent summers working at my uncle’s restaurant in San Marcos, Texas. I also lived with my relatives, and since my aunt was close to my older sister’s age, we developed a strong kinship. Being the mother of three little boys, Fleeta was starved for adult conversation and loved hearing…
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A COVID Christmas
Last year, I planned to spend the month of December at a private residence in Bella Vista, Arkansas, near my oldest son and his family. The house was ready. Aaron even had a Christmas tree set up to welcome his mom and little brother. But while I was packing my car, I lifted a heavy…
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Hidden Treasures
Louise Tucker Jones shares her hidden treasures
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A Great Neighborhood
When our children were young, my late husband, Carl and I moved our little family to a housing addition just outside of town. Only one street in and out. Being new to the neighborhood that winter, it was a blessing to live at the bottom of a hill where cars often stalled due to snow…
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If I Could Have ‘Do Overs’
Last month, I lost my late husband’s wedding band. A ring he had worn since the day I placed it on his finger in a little Army chapel 54 years ago. He was being deployed overseas for a year and half, and we were determined to get married before he left. The ring symbolized both…
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