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
loss
I Grew Up a Rich Girl
Friends, it has been a rough few weeks. I nearly lost my mama to a freak accident on June 21, and just 10 days later I lost my daddy to cancer. It was a blessing to hold Daddy’s hand over his last 72 hours, to whisper in his ear words I wish I’d said years ago, to see my still-healing mama care … [Read more...] about I Grew Up a Rich Girl
Learning to Lament
It was an ordinary Tuesday. As I made my way into the choir room, I remember seeing her older brother pacing outside the school office, waiting for her to be released from class. My childhood friend’s mother had died after a long illness when we were seniors in high school. I knew her mother … [Read more...] about Learning to Lament
This Isn’t Us: Grieving the Loss of Community
The sunny wheat field was full of multiple combines, dozens of workers, and several trucks. But it shouldn’t have been. It was one of the worst weeks in the small community’s history. Days earlier, my husband’s seven-year-old brother had suffocated in a truckload of wheat on their family … [Read more...] about This Isn’t Us: Grieving the Loss of Community
The Size of Loss
I am an ardent fan of trees, especially large, old ones. We searched for almost two years before we found a house with a yard full of mature oaks. My daughter was even married beneath their branches. It was my happy place. But like grown children leaving the nest, they have gradually begun to … [Read more...] about The Size of Loss
Echoes in Eternity
“You are my hero,” she said. It echoed inside my head for months. I felt the deep inaccuracy in her words from the start. This vibrant woman full of life and grace and love, had no business looking up to me. But her enthusiastic rallying for others is part of her charm and part of her … [Read more...] about Echoes in Eternity