lessons from a life half lived
Twenty-one days ago, my mother passed away. The moment was beautiful—peaceful and holy— and I am so thankful I was with her. Mom’s death served as the final exam for a course I’ve been taking for at least a year now, Death 102: When the end is near (or here). Below, you’ll find my notes from the “class.” I hope they prove… Continue Reading…
To Do List Clean (really clean) the first level Straighten the second level Bank Gas Consignment Shop Pick up coffee beans at Quantum Bean Drop tin of cookies (with note) at Blatter house Dear Mr. and Mrs. Blatter: I’m writing to apologize… For the time I wouldn’t let you use the bathroom in our house even though you had a… Continue Reading…
One day during my lunch hour in downtown Cincinnati—I lived and worked there in the 80’s—as I walked toward Fountain Square, two gals came at me, arm in arm. The younger woman’s grin was the spitting image of her mom’s. When I stepped in front of them, they stopped walking and talking, their limbs suddenly stiff, their eyes wide. The mother gathered her… Continue Reading…
I’ve come a long way, baby. From being the scarediest of cats about so many things. High bridges, for instance. And death. For the longest time, my parents sheltered my brothers and me from post-mortem matters. It wasn’t until the eighth grade that I attended a funeral, my paternal grandfather’s. In the back of the church sanctuary I stayed that… Continue Reading…
