Another Airport. Another Homecoming.

Daphne Kate Matoushek. September 4, 2012. Meeting Skin-to-Skin Finally, after 51 days of waiting, tonight’s the night. My daughter, Elaine, our almost-two-year-old grandson, Sawyer, and brand new, as yet unseen granddaughter, Daphne, are due in on a late flight from Honolulu to San Diego. Rich and I will head south after work, claim a long-reserved […]


In Loving Memory

 Sean and His Dad. After a Tour in Iraq.  Sean, Son Ayden, Sister Rebecca, Brother Ryan. Christmas, 2005. Ayden in Daddy’s Helmet. Memories on Our Wall. At Sean’s Grave.  Today, we remember. We weep, because we love. We rejoice in the gift of you. We read God’s promise, twice. Hymns echo in our hearts, resonating in the hollow […]


The Reunion: But First

My Brother, Cousin Marcia, Cousin Hugh. Ca. 1969 [I started this story in its middle. Click here to read what happens next. Click here to read the conclusion.] The Promises of Place His voice on the phone is a miracle singing in my ear after ten months of silence. I’m always relieved when my cousin calls.  It […]


Not Just Half the Ocean

Grandson Cadence Visits the Pineapple Maze. September, 2011. Photo by Judi Matoushek, my Co-Grandma Another Speck, Farther Across the Sea “This is our guest room,” Elaine said, as we looked at a picture of a pleasant room. “And here’s the boys’ bedroom.” Rich and I studied the computer screen. My daughter, at the other end […]


Not Just Half the Ocean

Grandson Cadence Visits the Pineapple Maze. September, 2011. Photo by Judi Matoushek, my Co-Grandma Another Speck, Farther Across the Sea “This is our guest room,” Elaine said, as we looked at a picture of a pleasant room. “And here’s the boys’ bedroom.” Rich and I studied the computer screen. My daughter, at the other end […]