I don’t think I’d have been in such a hurry to reach adulthood if I’d known the whole thing was going to be ad-libbed. — Bill Watterson “Oh, why can’t I be graduated, yet?” Paisley asked as she slumped down on the couch holding her senior year class schedule in her hands. She is just…

Read More

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” –Mark Twain It was one of those regular summer nights in our house. Michael was out of town, but the rest of us were home together which really doesn’t happen too often anymore. We…

Read More

“We’re taught to expect unconditional love from our parents, but I think it is more the gift our children give us. It’s they who love us helplessly, no matter what or who we are.” -Kathryn Harrison, The Kiss Not too long ago, I had to run into the store. It was just like every other…

Read More

“Joy is to fun what the deep sea is to a puddle. It’s a feeling inside that can hardly be contained.”–Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky Ding…Ding….I’m in such a deep sleep, I actually think I dream the noise. Ding…Ding…yes, this time I know it’s for real. I struggle to make my eyes open…

Read More

America! America! God shed His grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!-Katherine Lee Bates (1904) A couple of years ago, my family and I went on a cross-country trip. Now, when I say “my family and I” I mean my extended family, too…my parents, my sister and her family, and…

Read More

“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.” –Markus Zusak, The Book Thief “But, mom, they told me I had to wear something festive, “ I whined. It was the 2nd grade Christmas program in a few days at my school, and…

Read More