January 3. It's a date that has stood out on the calendar for 23 years now. It's the day my friend suddenly died at wrestling practice my junior year of high school. All these years later, while I still see my friend's sweet face in math class, the last time I spoke to him, I… Continue reading The gift of kindness
One year ago today was the last time I spoke with my dad. There had been a few more emails and messages, but talking about having to put my cat down was the last real conversation we'd have before his own death, only two weeks later. Grieving the loss of Mimi, my four-legged best friend… Continue reading One year ago
I'm no stranger to loss. In the last few years of high school and the first few years of college, it felt like I spent more time at funerals than I did at parties, saying goodbye to friends who were gone way too soon. With all the grief I've experienced, never did I expect it… Continue reading Paw prints on my heart
(Sorry, I can't look at the word "precious" and NOT say it like Gollum.)Inspired by Cheri's post at Scrap Dreams, I found Sian's Storytelling Sunday and decided to make a layout for my Things We Love album about a collection that's precious to me. I'll eventually create the layout, but the memories flowing through my heart,… Continue reading Storytelling Sunday: My Preeeeciousss #1
January 3, 1996, after the rush of dismissal,I stood outside the school entranceflirting with the boy who rejected mebut would eventually become my first love.Sirens in the distance grew louder,emergency vehicles pulling into the stadium.We glanced in that direction for all of a second beforequickly refocusing our gaze on each other.When someone from the stadium… Continue reading A life remembered
My cousin Allen passed away Sunday night after a courageous battle with cancer. Cancer sucks.After hanging up with his son, who reminds me so much of Allen, I fought to suppress the natural way minds sometimes drift, trying not to put myself in their shoes...losing a father, a husband. I tried not to dwell on… Continue reading Pausing to remember
Filling out my 2010 Census today (there's nothing like waiting 'till the last minute), I approached the question about race. I paused, warm memories of Mrs. Overbay flooding the forefront of my mind.They have my phone number, I thought. And my address. They're going to call if I do it.Let them, I finally decided, checking… Continue reading An impromptu tribute
