If we dare to meet your eyes at this moment, it would help so much if we could see in them that you respect us – not because of what we’ve done or left undone, but because we are fellow humans going through the worst days of our lives. If you think we don’t care, or don’t feel, or don’t know this, you are wrong. We really, really messed up; and we do not expect to find mercy in this place.
Once upon a time, when I was twelve or thirteen years old, my father took me with him on a week-long speaking engagement to central Pennsylvania. The church was warmly welcoming, and I made some good friends, including an eighteen-year-old named Gloria who took me under her wing. She was so pretty and stylish, and […]
When a beautiful woman in her sixties, with a serene face and an artistic hand, sits beside you at the craft table and asks to hear your story, you do not refuse. Nor do you refuse when a fun-loving stranger offers to do a coconut-oil-honey-and-cocoa-powder facial with you, and all the supplies are laid out. […]
Confession: My son caught me crouching in the pantry with a large spoonful of peanut butter and honey halfway to my mouth. ??!!?? he said. The spoon made it the rest of the way, hastily. Regan, I said firmly, I am gathering shthrength to care for my children. Now go play. * Three weeks of […]
I dreamed I saw her again Her sweet little grin Her sister hung back and wouldn’t touch me But she came to my arms And snuggled And smiled I held her And when I woke there was a pit of darkness in my heart That will not go away, still And no matter what I […]
Confession: I told you I miscarried a tiny baby last January. I didn’t tell you the rest of the story. Of necessity, this post contains personal details I would not normally share publicly. There are not many; I have been as discreet as I could. But I ask, especially if you are male, that you […]