-
Writing into a Void
It’s hard, writing to someone with dementia.
-
A Sandwich Speculation
Back in 2006, the term “Sandwich Generation” was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. It’s used to describe those people who are “sandwiched” between caring for their children and for their aging parents. As life expectancies rise, more and more of us find ourselves in that situation. The term actually started floating around as early…
-
A Mental Walkabout
Once upon a time, I’d visit a different foreign country every two years. Those were the days. Now, 60 percent of my income goes toward mortgage and utilities, and I don’t see myself ever being able to leave the country again. That breaks my heart, because travel is my reason for being. Because of this,…
-
Artistic Collaboration and Then Some
A friend of mine recently told me about a delightful collaboration. Two very different groups came together to create the beautiful piece shown below, which was then auctioned off to raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. I’ll let them speak for themselves. “This piece of art is the blossom of a relationship between two groups…
-
Don’t You Know Me?
I had the most distressing phone conversation the other day. I try to call my favorite aunt, who is 85 years old and lives in Connecticut, about once every two weeks. Her health is not good. She’s in constant pain, but she has a killer sense of humor and her mind is sharp as a…
-
Requiem for a Lost Thought
This happens to me quite frequently. I’ll have an idea for a really good blog entry just as I drift off to sleep, and when I awaken, it’s gone. There’s this sad empty feeling left behind, and more than a little self-flagellation for not having roused myself enough to write the thought down on the…
-
Meeting Linda Mae
A few years ago, on a very cold winter night, I got home from work shortly after midnight and as I pulled into the driveway I saw a little old woman standing on the sidewalk in front of my house. She was barefoot, in her nightgown, standing with her feet wide apart, her arms at…