a fire engine for christmas

a fire engine for christmas

“I didn’t get a chance to see the fire engine this year,” she said, her voice carrying regret and sadness. My sister in law’s cancer had come back and their life was once again filled with endless rounds of chemo, waiting rooms and doctor visits.  They were fighting...
the flip side of sadness

the flip side of sadness

Last night I had some company.  First to show up in my dream was my cousin John with the crazy staccato laugh, huge heart and endless pranks. He and his brother George were always up to something. When they were little, they asked my Aunt Esther if they could decorate...
on autism and painting the garage with mustard

on autism and painting the garage with mustard

Her voice drifts across the many miles via the telephone and I don’t have to wonder what kind of day she has had. “It’s one of those days,” she says, “where she does whatever she can think to do.” She sighs wearily, then laughs. “You won’t believe the very last thing...
when life goes on

when life goes on

Editor’s Note: Read part one of this story… how to love the ones who don’t love you I clean the cat box and elbow the 51 inch TV draped in a shroud on the screened in porch. It’s another thing that didn’t fit in the storage unit. There are now two china...
how to love the ones who don’t love you

how to love the ones who don’t love you

It’s 105 and she’s out on the swing in the carport. I see her, swinging back and forth, with her dark glasses in place. The motion helps the Alzheimer’s patient much like the rocking helps the Autistic child. As I watch, I am struck by how tragic it all is. You learn...