We have all experienced difficult times when we thought that things just couldn’t get any worse. And usually, that is very far from the truth. But because we tend to think only about our own little slice of the world, we believe it. But later, often times much later, we learn that what we thought was our deepest darkest fear, could really have been far worse. At that point, it becomes clear that…
No person is perfect. As much as each of us would like to believe that we are, we are not. And making peace with this fact of life is the first step to making progress in reaching your goals in life. Granted some of us might have greater challenges which have left not just small chips or nicks on our hearts instead, there are gaping holes. But all of these flaws serve two purposes.…
It’s always difficult to face the reality of a parent’s illness. Most children grow and thrive within the warm, protective sphere known as a loving parents care. And even when the relationship has been difficult or dysfunctional, there still seems to be a connection of more than simply genetics. This emotional connection to a parent might simply be a single, thin shred of hope that someday this complicated, or almost nonexistent relationship, will somehow…
In a hospital waiting room in Dayton, Ohio, Mahler Symphony No.2 “Resurrection” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHsFIv8VA7w&t=225s) plays for a comatose patient. I had chosen this piece of music for my brother, Ryan. It was his favorite Mahler symphony. The theme of the symphony is resurrection. Like Martha from the John 11 Bible passage, my family had the faith to believe in the future resurrection of my brother’s soul but we’re wrestling with the faith that his seemingly lifeless…
Age is not something that I used to think a lot about. But as I am approaching what the rest of the world seems to view as a major milestone, I have found myself dwelling a bit on just what it means to turn 50. Admittedly, I am secretly a huge fan of Peter Pan. I relish the idea of never growing up and remaining unshackled by the parameters of age. I never want…
My father passed on Sept 1, 2001, and I won’t lie and say that a part of me wasn’t ready but the little girl who just lost her lifetime hero still wanted to understand why. Another part of my sadness was because of my son who would turn 11 in less than two weeks. He had lost one grandpa just before Christmas in 2000, and now his other grandpa and best buddy had passed just…
When my father passed, we placed a bench in his favorite state park as a memorial. It overlooks a small stream and is surrounded by massive trees. At some point, he learned the very important lesson that there is so much serenity to be found when surrounded by nature. It is a pure connection to the world that has been displaced by electronics, multitasking and the desire to always accomplish more. He knew that…
Here are some inspirational quotes I thought you might all enjoy: -No one else makes you free but God and yourself -Life is a balancing act…hold steady -Laughter: The Best cure for sadness -Nobody else makes who you are -Mothers: The Best Medicine -Grandmothers make the best hugs -Come here! Let me give you a hug! -Hugs and kisses cure everything -Prayers cure everything -Smile, I love you! Love cures everything -Life is a…
On the morning of September 11, 2001, and for a period of time that was either hours or an eternity- I can’t remember- we didn’t know where my brother was. We knew he was somewhere in lower Manhattan, where he attended Stuyvesant High School. Like any regular 14-year-old kid, most of the time he’d go right to school in the morning, and *other* times he’d run around with friends in the neighborhood first, or…
The famous saying says that there are three types of friends- friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for a lifetime. In my humble opinion, all three types are priceless and enrich your entire life because you carry them all in your heart forever. Appreciate the time that you share with each friend and the lessons that come with their friendship.