Don’t Slam The Screen Door!
If you grew up like I did you probably heard, “Don’t slam the screen door,” a lot. Living in the country and having no AC meant windows wide open and screen doors on both front and back to let in cool air and possibly an oscillating fan. Even the entrance to our little county store…
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Mama’s Makeover!
After my father died, my mother would often spend a few weeks in our home. She loved sitting near the fireplace in the winter and relaxing on the deck in the spring, enjoying all the flowers in bloom. Sometimes she would cut roses for her room then relax in a rocker and watch TV. But…
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Memories of Jay!
It’s my son’s birthday. The second since Jay went to heaven. I’ve been anticipating this date, wondering how I might honor him. Jay had a phenomenal personality and was incredibly loving but also fun and joyful. Let me tell you a few “Jay” stories. Years ago, my late husband, Carl and I taught a Sunday…
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College and Karate!
Years ago, as a young college student, I took my share of PE classes—archery, tennis, dancing and more. Having played basketball all through school I enjoyed staying active. But what I really wanted to learn was karate. My boyfriend (future husband—Carl) had taken karate and ju-jitsu in Tulsa from his friend, Gary, who just happened…
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A Valentine Surprise!
Since February is the “love” month, I’m sharing a special story about a couple of friends. Gerald Meeks moved to Edmond just as Covid hit. Being a widower, he was alone in the house he had built to host old and new friends. But being a “people person,” he kept in touch by e-mail, phone,…
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Family Traditions
I’ve never been great with New Year’s resolutions, but I love family traditions. And what better time to pass on treasured gems like stories, recipes or tangible items than the New Year? When I was growing up, my mother fixed chocolate gravy for breakfast every morning. I thought it was normal until my girlfriends started…
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Come Sweet Christmas!
It’s the second Christmas without my son, Jay and it seems harder instead of easier. Last year I was still in shock. Numb, having just lost my son and my mother. Functioning but not living. Grief is a hard journey and it’s different for everyone. Lately my mother often comes to mind. And yes, I…
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Reminiscing!
Lately, I have been lost in a “sea of reminiscing” while going through stacks of things belonging to my mother who is now in heaven. I think she saved everything I ever sent her. Magazine articles, pictures, Birthday and Mother’s Day cards, letters and even post cards I sent as a teenager from church camp….
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Jay’s Journey!
Hard to believe it’s the anniversary of my son’s heavenly journey, and no, it doesn’t feel like a year. It feels like yesterday and forever rolled into one. Can’t begin to describe how much I miss him. Every day, in my heart and mind, I see Jay sitting in his favorite chair watching TV or…
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Learning to Mourn
Several people have asked me to write about how grievers feel and how to help. The dictionary describes mourning as feeling or sharing deep sadness following the death of someone. According to bereavement counselors, mourning is grieving out loud. Sharing your sorrow with others. It’s lament in the deepest sense. Unfortunately, in today’s world, we…
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A Birthday Song!
This picture of my son, Jay and me was taken last year on my August birthday. Before Jay got sick. Before 7 weeks in ICU. Before my precious son went to heaven. And it’s a favorite! Pictures become treasured keepsakes of people we love. Since the introduction of the iPhone, a camera has always been…
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