This year, as with any year, we all had our ups and downs, some higher and lower than others. To remember one is to reverently honor the other. The good and bad arrive—and depart—hand in hand. “Should we continue to look upwards?” Victor Hugo asked. “Is the light we can see in the sky one of … More New Year, New Hope (Video)
Our lives, in both good and bad times, are very much a product of the influential people who surround us. Today I’m acknowledging 10 such people in my life. (You might even be surprised by the last one.) I encourage you to do so, too, whether it’s by phone, handwritten letter, e-mail, or even a simple … More Giving Thanks
Yesterday was Grandparents’ Day. If you forgot or were too busy enjoying the last hurrah of summer or simply didn’t know, now’s your chance to remedy that. Stop what you’re doing, call that special someone right now, and say thank you. Never underestimate what an incredible treasure it is to know them and to know … More Grandparents’ Day
Last year at this time, I was cheering alongside Sue’s family and friends at the Minneapolis-St. Paul 3 Day for the Cure. Standing by my side: Szaba (well, she was crawling actually), my hilarious nephew Aaron, my sweet niece Ali, and Sue’s phenomenal mother, Shirley.
I’m not going to lie to you, friends. As fun as Szaba’s 2-year birthday was, it was also … hard. At year 1, we didn’t have Sue. At year 2, we didn’t have Shirley. Perhaps unwisely, I hadn’t accounted for an appearance by Grief, my uninvited guest. I guess I was so deep in planning … More Grief: My Uninvited Guest
Let’s do something together for Memorial Day. Let’s memorialize someone. Here’s what we’ll do: In the comments section below, just write the name (first only is fine) and a memory or two you’d like to pass on about them. Even just a phrase or sentence is fine, though stories are welcome, too! You can even e-mail … More Memorial Day Project
It’s that time. The time of year worse than the whole of winter combined. When we’ve had it. With every synapse of our minds, every follicle of our skin, every phantom cell of our soul: We need Summer. But Summer is a flighty, uncaring temptress. She takes her damn time. She naps and adorns her hair and organized her closets. … More Soak It In
As I venture forward into a future without Sue or Shirley, I’m comforted by these words of wisdom from Shirley herself. They are from a speech she wrote for our wedding, and I read them at her service. Take advantage of the insight that only a century of living and loving can truly bring. I think you’ll find … More Words of Wisdom
What has helped you through grief or a particularly challenging time? For me, it’s writing. Very few people have ever read my poetry. It’s my great intimacy. But right now, I can find no other way to express the events and emotions of the last few days. Shirley’s death clings to my soul in a … More Bereavement
I wrote my second obituary this week. That’s not something I ever thought I’d add to my repertoire, though I guess it’s nice to have something productive and helpful to do in times like these. The last time this happened I was like a deer in headlights when the family asked me to do it, … More A Life on a Page
My Castle Heart Publications 