Grandfamilies: On Helpers

Sawyer, In Daddy’s Gloves, Watering and Watching (photo by Sawyer’s Mommy). When I was five years old, I ironed my father’s cotton handkerchiefs for a penny per handkerchief. (If those wages seem exploitative, remember that at the time, a candy bar cost a dime.) I grew up in an era where household chores were everyone’s duty and cash […]


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Are You Playing Fair?

Christmas Eve, 1973:  My new hospital roommate wastes no time calling her adult children:  I know it’s Christmas Eve, and I certainly don’t want to interrupt your time with your wife and children, but I thought I should let you know that I’m in the hospital.  Well, they think it’s the same thing that killed your father, may God […]


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When Holidays Hurt: Mother’s Day Edition

  So how was your Mother’s Day? Well, my mom and my daughter are both in the hospital, so . . . . My friend’s voice faded to nothing. Nothing. Like the postmark on an envelope that never was mailed.  Another friend’s mother died about 10 days before Mother’s Day. And there’s another friend whose son […]


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How I Accidentally Wrote a Novel

Kathi Macias has been a faithful writing friend and a gracious mentor. So when, in mid-2013, she announced that she was editing a volume of Christmas stories and asked who might like to contribute to the book, I raised my hand. I didn’t think she would actually select me, since I write nonfiction. So when […]


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Why I Went Missing

Most of Us: Missing One Son, One Son-in-Law, and One Grandson. April 18. This Shot is an Update. It’s been quiet around here, hmm? I don’t often skip posting for two weeks. But I’ve been busy being a grandmother instead of writing about it. My daughter and her family were in the area for two weeks […]


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