Certain slices of life mamas never forget. Like the early days and weeks after bringing new babies home from the hospital. I especially remember the part their grandma played. Each time my mama showed up at just the right time. Brought all the right treats. Did all the right things. … [Read more...] about Receiving the Baton
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Tweaking Tradition, Part 2
Christmas is thundering closer. But something just doesn’t feel right. We just spent five days traveling to the Cleveland Clinic for my heart failure evaluation. Not a journey I wanted to make the week before Christmas. But this is where God has us now, and it’s been a mixed bag with lots of … [Read more...] about Tweaking Tradition, Part 2
Tweaking Tradition, Part 1
Tradition is not a neutral word. Like college football, or Jesus, or anything political, it evokes a strong emotion, reflecting how traditions have played out in our lives. I, too, have had a love-hate relationship with traditions over the past few years. The following article was first … [Read more...] about Tweaking Tradition, Part 1
Weeds and Warnings, Part I
This week I am preparing for a speaking event and next week I will be at the Cleveland Clinic for a heart check. So I am taking this opportunity to post a piece that was selected and originally appeared on the Kindred Mom website a few weeks ago. It tells the story of my own disease, … [Read more...] about Weeds and Warnings, Part I
Of Scales and Chandeliers
I had a feeling in my gut that we shouldn’t have been playing with a ball in that room. Grandma Steinbacher’s fancy living room was not a place for rough-housing with its uncomfortable furniture and crystal chandelier. I was sure, although the rest of their farmhouse looked a lot like mine, this … [Read more...] about Of Scales and Chandeliers
One Year Later: A Divinely Personal Path
Most of my life I have wanted to be someone else. It started with wanting to be my older sister, and then in Kindergarten I had others I aspired to be. My Best Day Ever arrived when Mrs. Coffey was out sick and we had a substitute teacher. It was picture day, and all the students sported their … [Read more...] about One Year Later: A Divinely Personal Path