Some prefer artificial Christmas trees—their prerogative. Manufacturers have come a long way when it comes to imitation trees. I catch myself touching the needles to determine whether or not they are real. And, of course, there are conveniences to consider. One need only shop for an artificial tree every 6-8 years. Searching for a factory-made…
While I waited to pay for gift bags at the dollar store, I overheard a conversation between the customer ahead of me and the cashier. Customer: “It’s going to be a cold, cold Light Up Night tonight.” Cashier: “I don’t mind. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I love the way everyone comes out…
As the sun faded into the horizon on Memorial Day, I received a text from a friend. She sent a photo of a comment she happened to see on Facebook. The picture showed only a couple of sentences of a conversation. It read: “Some of the inscriptions are awesome – ‘I dreamed, I soared.’ ‘Love…
I’ve had Shirley Westfall on my mind. When I read her obituary in the newspaper, a stream of kindergarten memories played in my head. You see, Miss Westfall and Mrs. Thelma Nutter (Cookie Cutter, Peanut Butter Window Shutter…) led my three children through kindergarten. And what a team they were. Mrs. Nutter controlled her boisterous…
I’ve been counting to 40. And let me tell you, counting to 40 is a bigger emotional investment than counting to three. Yet, I remain forever grateful to my parents for that first math lesson. Learning to count to three was key to reaching 250, 1000, and, well, 40. I lost track of how many…
Funny how just a smell, taste, sight, sound, or a place can land us in the middle of a memory. The scent of homemade bread puts me back at the table in my grandmother’s kitchen. At the sight of a child clanging a triangle, I’m a second grader again in Miss Hatfield’s music class holding…
Last week, I attended my first swim meet in a long while. I saw my grand niece and nephew compete for my children’s alma mater—the Bridgeport Wildcatters. Within minutes of my arrival, I saw life come full circle: former teammates of my children have become the parents of the newest generation of Wildcatters. As I…
What is it they say to parents when their children marry? You’re not losing a daughter, you are gaining a son. Or, you’re not losing a son, you are gaining a daughter. I may not have it word for word, but I’m close. In my family, that statement has proved true, so far anyway. My…
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