Family

I’d say a silent prayer with my morning coffee, in church, sometimes before a meal. But the idea of asking for guidance with struggles and worries out loud? With my spouse listening? This concept may work for other people…

In May, I wrote about honoring our mothers and grandmothers, so it’s only fair that this month I discuss fathers and grandfathers, as we typically think of June as a time to honor the male figures in our lives…

Some time ago, I wrote an article about how to deal with estranged adult children. Many of us were feeling the heightened sting of loss. I was surprised by the response that article evoked. I know there are many hurting moms, but…

My friends who live alone refuse to let me complain about anything during this quarantine. As soon as I start to be the least bit self-pitying, they cut me off with…

Everybody has a story, yet many fascinating and engaging stories remain untold because we just don’t think they are worth the telling. I challenge you to consider how important the information…

Life is surely full of relationships. We are born the child in relationship to our parents, and we may simultaneously become someone’s brother or sister. In our extended family, we will likely have grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Read More

Funerals and memorial services are the parties no one wants to plan. My niece and her fiancé took months to put together all of the elements of their wedding. This young man’s parents had the heart-wrenching task of creating a funeral in five days…

“Everything is going to be alright, sweetheart,” my mother would remind me as I relayed the latest drama in my life. She was a sweet and comforting presence who…

I love this statement by Sophia Loren: “A mother always thinks twice, once for herself and once for her child.” How true! And, after you mother dies, you think of her often. Your mom lives with you all the time, even when she’s gone. Read More

When we think of the month of May, many of us think about celebrating our mothers and grandmothers. Because I was born on Mothers’ Day many moons ago…