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…
We all face challenges, moments when we question ourselves, our beliefs and even those whom we hold most dear but that is all part of our journey. And all of those events allow us to see life from a variety of different angles. During the difficult times, it feels like we can’t even look up far enough to see the light, but we always seem to find a way to fight back up to it…
Your soul is such a reliable compass; many people say they rely on a “gut feeling” but I truly believe that it is one in the same. It is just no longer fashionable to refer to your soul as your guide. So call it what you want to, but listen to that wise voice inside, because it won’t let you down.
It can be truly amazing how much a person can love another person. And yet sadly we do not fully comprehend the depth and completeness of that love until we are faced with living without it. And when I say without it, I really mean without the earthly reminder of it when we see that person or hear their voice. This kind of love is not really limited to the short-term capabilities of the…
“Why, why am I still here.” Her question to me was so simple, and her labored words told me just how much she wanted to be done here. But I had no definitive answer for her other than these difficult words. At 87, no one more deserves freedom and peace than you. But I’m a believer- and so are you, in a higher power. And that power protects us and guides…
My father has been gone for over 15 years, but I learned a new lesson from him today, or maybe I was just finally able to understand the lesson. Dad was a child of the depression and although the stories of his childhood always sounded like great adventures when I heard them as a child, I now have finally grasped the truth about his challenging childhood. If it can be called a childhood. His…
I’m a writer. I also suffer from bipolar disorder. It’s not easy. My depression eats me up alive. My mania drives me insane. It truly is a balancing act, one I can’t really control. Some medications worked for a while but so many only made things worse. Yet, each day, I try to make the best of it. I try to learn from every situation, using those lessons to create poems, articles, and stories. I…
So much has changed in the world in the past 50 years. An entirely new generation has come of age and brought with it the mantra that they are the center of it all. Their focus and concern never seem to drift beyond their own reflection that they see in the mirror each day. Millions of dollars are spent on keeping themselves looking and feeling young and making their lives easier. Electronics are used to complete mundane…
My grandmother, my mother’s mother, was always an important part of life. Many of my fondest childhood memories include holidays with her as well as summer days spent at her house. She was the only grandparent that was a part of my life after my grandfather, her husband, passed away just before my 5th birthday. But I never felt that I missed out on having more grandparents, she was always more than enough for me.…
Very seldom am I ever really surprised or even caught off guard by another person’s comments. I have worked very hard to come to accept that it really does take all kinds. And for a rational person, the only choice is to make peace with that fact. Then on a rare occasion or two, you are rewarded with the welcome surprise or unexpected good outcome. My most recent reward moment came to me from my…