family – Can We? Will We?

One Year

One year without Sunday dinners. One year without my wise counselor. One year without his belly laugh. One year without…Niels. I’ve been feeling the need to write, but I didn’t know what to write. I didn’t have my “why”. I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to say. Or how to say it. I mean…whatContinue reading “One Year”

Closure

There are some things that need to close. Doors on a cold day. Windows on a rainy day. A relationship turned volatile. A box of cereal. A refrigerator door. A can of paint. A toothpaste tube. A bottle of wine. A car door. And there are things that might be closed. A career. A conversation.Continue reading “Closure”

What’s a Mother?

I’ve been emotional the last few days and I hadn’t identified why. That happens a lot these days. Then Blair asked me what I wanted to do for Mother’s Day and friends started asking me how I’m feeling about Mother’s Day. Ahhhh…there it is…there’s the answer to my emotional state. My answer when asked aboutContinue reading “What’s a Mother?”

The Circle of Life and Let Your Light Shine

The Circle of Life is real. And it’s impossible to say those three words without singing it and for me…that song ALWAYS brings a tear to my eye. When The Lion King came out in the 90s, Blair was about three and Niels five. We were not big movie-goers, but of course the three ofContinue reading “The Circle of Life and Let Your Light Shine”

A Love Story

Mary and Roberto* I’d like to tell you another story. It’s connected to my last story…but you’ll have to wait until the end… Last week, we got the call…Mom had changed and it was time to get in the car and head for Pasadena. I had the honor and privilege to be with Mom inContinue reading “A Love Story”

Never Say Never and Whatever the Heck Else Pops Into My Head

Here’s the “whatever else” story – A mustard stain on her shirt? That triggered a memory that will forever bring me a smile and a regret. We were at an A’s game. The kids were just old enough to start roaming the stadium on their own. Niels was ready for lunch so we sent himContinue reading “Never Say Never and Whatever the Heck Else Pops Into My Head”

mother

Mother is a complicated word. It’s a noun and a verb. It’s a proper noun when it replaces a name and therefore it’s capitalized. It’s a verb when someone is taking on the role of nurturing another. And we all know that if you add an “s” at the beginning of mother…it takes on aContinue reading “mother”