Certain songs put a pit in my stomach, overwhelming me with the nostalgia their lyrics and melody bring up from the depths of my soul, especially when that nostalgia surrounds the early days of my childhood. The days we spent…
Category: Whims & Words
To Give You Wings
Last night around the dinner table, my daughter, who had just come home from her religious education class, started talking about Lent, which begins today. She said she decided that instead of giving something up, she would like to help…
In Memoriam
The days are hard, the world feels heavy, and now, even my precious memories of yesteryear bring little solace. Where do we turn when it feels like there’s nowhere left to turn? In Memoriam A zest for life Eludes me…
To Dust
One of my (some might say unhealthier) pastimes is reflecting on my past. I once heard someone say that time (and thereby the past) is essentially a blip in life that comes and goes without a second thought. As in,…
The Magic Was You
Whenever this time of year rolls around, my thoughts inevitably turn to my Dziadziu. He has always epitomized the holidays for me, bringing everyone together, and even today, eight years after his passing, I still long to spend each holiday…
Trauma
A few days ago, I found myself back in the radiology department of the hospital where I gave birth to my premature daughter, a harrowing experience I wrote about three years ago in a blog titled “The Story Of A…
I Love You Past Heaven
Last night during family movie night, my almost-6-year-old son sidled up next to me on the couch (unsolicited), gently pushed my hair back, and whispered these words to me. I have no idea what I did to deserve him, but…
Reflection
One of the hardest aspects of parenting—at least for me—is recognizing and, more importantly, accepting my children’s flaws and weaknesses. And what makes it even more difficult is when I see myself and my own shortcomings in their eyes, particularly…
Pearl
We all need a protector of our souls; this one’s for mine. Pearl Eroded by a life’s full work Of unassuming storms I humbly chose to bury Her Beneath the rushing wave-washed shores A battered husk Her sole protection For…
Your Tender Morsel No Longer
Sometimes it’s not others from whom we must escape, but our overly critical selves. Your Tender Morsel No Longer No words Are more powerful Than the piercing silence Of walking away And leaving behind Those who no longer Empower you…