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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The Flag
Growing up in the 50s and 60s we started each morning of school with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” I have to admit I didn’t understand the gravity of that allegiance at the time. As a child I was not acquainted with “acts of war,” but…
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A “Grand” Trip!
Recently, I had some special guests in my home—my son, Aaron and two grandkids. My grand girl, Alex wanted to visit thrift shops for vintage clothing— something 17-year-olds obviously enjoy. And boy, did we find some bargains! But before we hit the stores, she shopped in my closet, finding a few treasures. Hats, purses, jewelry…
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