Compassion and Peace in a Confusing World
I watched a recent newscast which reported on the following issues: Congress, airplane travel, Earth care, elections, and vaccination mandates. Each story explained angry confrontations occurring with each issue. We have a long way to go to find middle ground. The newscast prompted me to share some thoughts about anger associated with the death of… Continue reading Today’s Anger
I opened the middle drawer of my desk recently and noticed my father’s watch. Shortly before his death in 2009, with his permission, I assumed ownership. I reached for it, wound it to see the tiny second hand rotate once again, very slowly. I re-read the inscription on the back: Frigidaire Best Seller, Summer, 1956. My… Continue reading Watching for Meaning
Last week President Biden spoke before the United Nations. His speech addressed, among other issues, the urgency related to the pandemic and the climate. This quote was featured in the Wall Street Journal: “Our shared grief is a poignant reminder that our collective future will hinge on our ability to recognize our common humanity and to… Continue reading Common Humanity
Sometime during the next year or maybe the next decade, someone may well ask you, “How did you live through the coronavirus pandemic and the post-pandemic?” The question may be from a neighbor down the street, or a grandchild asking for a writing project at school. How will you answer the question? The events of… Continue reading What Will We Say?
Our family had a wonderful Memorial Day celebration this week. My day started with preparing two large slabs of pork ribs, cutting-up strawberries for dessert, running to the store for extra ice, washing last night’s dishes, and cleaning the back yard and deck. I’m tired just typing about it. I did a lot of thinking about… Continue reading Remembering
The past year was unforgettable. Last March, I was wrapping up my job as Parish Visitor at my church and trying to say goodbye to many of the church’s seniors in my last week. I hoped to visit seven seniors. Two were in lockdown. I visited with four of the remaining five. Two of these four… Continue reading Things We Can’t Forget
Will I Always Be this Cold? Where has this cold come from? “It comes from the death of your friend.” Will I always, from now on, be this cold? “No, it will diminish. But always it will be with you.” What is the reason for it? “Wasn’t your friendship always as beautiful as a flame?”… Continue reading The Cold of the Pandemic
About two years ago I attended the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball championship with my daughter, an alumna of the champion, the University of Virginia. The Cavaliers won both very close tournament games, each with exciting and nearly unbelievable endings. Immediately after the final game, the young man sitting next to me gave me a… Continue reading What Just Happened?
At Peace 