Remembering Trevor

Trevor. Rest in Peace, Old Boy. Good and Faithful “It’s not just arthritis,” the vet said. “He has some kind of neurological issue–maybe he’s had a stroke. That’s why his tail curls off to the side. And that whining at night? That’s not because he’s in pain–it’s senility. It’s the canine version of Sundowner’s Syndrome.” “What […]


Papaya Lonely

Papaya Tree. Longing and Fruit “I’d be happy just to sit here and watch you all breathe,” I tell my daughter. We’ve arrived at her home at Pearl Harbor for a ten-day visit and she is working up a sightseeing itinerary. We planned our vacation to visit her, her husband, and the boys. It just […]


Coming Out of Hiding

Libations at Kate’s. August, 2010. There’s Only One of Me“I don’t post much on Facebook. I teach Sunday School at my church, you know.” The woman at the party shook her head. “I don’t need my pupils’ parents seeing that I’m coming over here for margaritas.” I smiled and nodded. My heart wanted to cry, though. […]


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 […]


Restoring the Lamps, Part One

Lamp Shades as Pompoms. A Reenactment. I Couldn’t Renew Them Alone “How about these?” I asked my husband, as we examined the selection of lampshades at our local Lowe’s. “Those look good,” Rich responded. So I selected a pair, spinning them slowly to make sure they were free of dents or stains. Satisfied, we trooped […]