By request, for a few relatives and friends who were unable to be at the funeral today -- the eulogy I gave before the long-winded reverend took over and talked about Waterloo and other things (yeahh...). I haven't tried to speak in public since I was ten years old (and it didn't go well then). … Continue reading And Then it Becomes Real
Tag: death
“Legitimate” Grief — or Why it Still Matters
[NOTE: This three-year-old post was imported from an old blog of mine. This month marks 13 years since the day I reference below, not ten.] ________________________________________________________ December 18, 2013, marks ten years since the worst day of my life. I can't believe it's been a decade since I lost my first child, since I spent … Continue reading “Legitimate” Grief — or Why it Still Matters
Teacher Appreciation Lifetime
Dear Mr. S., It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and I've been reflecting on the many great educators who have touched my life over the years. I was very fortunate, from grade school through college, to experience the wisdom and kindness of several amazing teachers and professors. The good far outnumbered the mediocre or bad. But it … Continue reading Teacher Appreciation Lifetime
Springtime is not Kind
Today is the first official day of spring. Blessed Alban Eilir (or Ostara, or Spring Equinox if you prefer). I've returned from my little hiatus; my mom and stepdad have gone home. While they were here, we lost an uncle on my father's side after a long battle with cancer (melanoma). I can't do this … Continue reading Springtime is not Kind
The Last Letter
The first letter I ever wrote (and mailed) was two lines of pencil scrawls on one of those gray papers with red and blue lines on it, the kind for children just learning to write. I think it consisted of, "Hi. How are you? I am fine. Love you, bye," and I was the proudest … Continue reading The Last Letter