Christmas Adventures
When our children were young, my late husband, Carl and I purchased a live Christmas tree adorned with tiny, tight pinecones. We decorated it with lots of lights and ornaments we had collected through the years and placed it in front of the living room window. Our older kids, Aaron and Paula, liked being able…
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Season of Family
I like to think of November as the season of family. October’s beautiful autumn colors and fun, fall festivals have ended. Winter is yet to come and Thanksgiving is on the horizon. A time for family. As a young girl, I remember my grandparents and other relatives gathering around our dinner table at Thanksgiving and it…
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Visiting Mama
Yesterday, I went to see Mama. I have always enjoyed our visits and phone conversations, but a few months ago, my 102 year-old-mother had a bad fall as well as a stroke and her life changed forever. She no longer shuffles along with her walker or sits in her living room chair watching TV with…
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What Day is Today?
Recently, I forgot what day it was. No, I don’t mean the day of the month. I actually forgot that it was Sunday. I thought it was Saturday—again. So I decided to let my son, Jay, sleep in a bit, being as we had no plans for the day. You would think something would kick in and…
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My Birthday Blessing
August is my birthday month. I won’t say how many years I’ve climbed up that age ladder, but suffice to say there won’t be candles on my cake since I refuse to buy multiple boxes of them. However, that won’t curb my celebration. In fact, I have more than my birthday to celebrate this month. My…
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Pray for Recovery
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for your prayers for my son Jay. On June 7th he underwent an extensive five-hour dental surgery. Knowing my apprehension and Jay’s lack of articulation, the anesthesiologist invited me to grab some scrubs and accompany Jay to the operating room. It was a gift to me, and…
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He Called Me “Daughter”��
My father-in-law often called me “Daughter.” I never asked why, I simply assumed he thought of me as such. Having only one child—my husband—I prefer to think he loved me because of my love for his son. When my brand new husband was overseas in the U.S. Army, Carl’s dad took care of any car problems I…
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I Love Spring
For those who read last month’s column concerning Jay’s surgery, it was rescheduled for May instead of April, so at the time of this writing I have no news. I thank you for continued prayers for a safe procedure and miraculous recovery, and for the sweet notes I have already received. I treasure your kind words…
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Please Pray for Jay
My column this month is not my norm. It concerns the health of my son, Jay, who has Down syndrome, a communication disorder, and severe heart disease. Doctors never gave us hope of seeing this child live into adolescence, yet here he is turning 43 years old on April 7th. I call it a miracle. Jay…
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Letter To My Son
Dearest Aaron, This month, on your St. Patrick’s Day birthday, I wish I could explain just how much I love you. Impossible, as any parent knows. The only way you can relate is your love for your own children. Know that I love you just as much. Even with a half-century gone by, I love…
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Mayberry, USA
Sometimes I want to live in Mayberry, USA, where nothing really bad happens. Where the only lawmen are a kind sheriff and a crazy deputy who seldom have anything to do because the townspeople always keep the peace. I want to attend that little church where the ladies are excited to perform in new choir robes…
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