"We went to the library to take a class to learn about preventing Alzheimer's," my friend said. "Good idea," I said, "but aren't our parents the ones who need help in this department?" My friend began naming the things one can do to keep the memory sharp. "There are...
No airplane flight has ever been boring for me. I hear stories and details from fellow passengers that make me think, surprise me at times but more often, they become fodder for my writing. Here is the latest one: "Oh, I was really hoping this would be the one," the...
What was I thinking? I only taught him half a lesson. I held my 6-year-old grandson’s face in my hands. "Sweet boy. Before you go into a room and the door is closed, you need to knock, OK?” I felt his head nod between my hands. Later on, he followed my new rule. After...
I received a peck on the cheek as I hugged a small, frail woman. "Welcome beautiful visitor," she said. She brought small bowls of rice to feed the children who gathered outside her tiny nipa hut nestled in the rural areas of the island of Mindanao, Philippines. In...
Was this God’s way to teach us how to face painful moments? Hubby and I, along with our dear friends, headed to North Carolina for a fun visit. As we crossed from one state to another, the driver took instructions from the rest who did the navigating. “Oh, oh…I see...
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf." (Heb. 6:19-20). My son Joe's empty stocking on the fireplace seared my heart. It had been twelve...
There I was last week, holding on to the escort's arm, pulling my luggage behind. With quick steps, we made our way through the airport. "This way to immigration," he said. Immigration? I had forgotten I was coming in on an international flight and of course...
I zipped my suitcase shut, and my 4'10", white-haired Mom walked in. "I worry about you traveling alone," she said. "Someone will be staying with you in the hotel, right?" I imagine having her blind daughter travel to another country by herself concerns her. "Sure," I...
Hubby and I took off for our routine evening walk. And as we rounded the walking trail, he repeatedly had to duck to avoid smashing his head against the branches that hung low. He endured this annoyance for a while. Then he decided to take action. So the next day,...
Life can turn dark in so many ways. We were heading to church and Hubby rolled down his window. As he opened his wallet, he said, "There's a woman with a sign that says, 'My kids need to eat.'" Some put up signs and some sink in self-pity for lack of funds. But many...