The house is quiet this morning. My four children nestled snug in their beds. Rain is hitting the window of my office as I type. All is cozy. Even though John isn't here with us, there is peace in my heart. I still marvel to find peace in my heart and mind; it is real and … Continue reading Christmas Doesn’t Have to be Perfect to be Peaceful
Umm, How Are You Doing?
It is a question I hear often, and every single time my brain gridlocks. The question is asked earnestly. People care. They genuinely want to know how we are doing- each of the kids, our new house, the upcoming holidays, and the status of my grief's healing process. I want to honor their question with … Continue reading Umm, How Are You Doing?
Travel Therapy
In the early months after John's death, I would have a Forrest Gump urge to start walking across the country, never stopping until my toes were in the chilly waters of the Pacific. Or, I'd daydream about driving, driving, driving across the country on an endless road trip in an endless summer. Chasing that glorious … Continue reading Travel Therapy
Goodbye & Hello
It has been three weeks since I walked out of our house for the final time. John and I never intended to move. We thought we'd grow old together there. I knew which room would be a nursery for our grandchildren. I could see the house full of our kids-turned-adults and their families. They'd come … Continue reading Goodbye & Hello
Brave (Enough)
Last fall, a friend told me she was writing a book and asked if she could tell a little of our story. I said yes. Then, she told me her vision for her book went even further. She was creating a companion DVD to accompany the book and wanted to have interviews of women's stories for … Continue reading Brave (Enough)
Moving Joy
Big news to share! Our house sold! It was put under contract several weeks ago. One of the best features of our contract: our closing is in August after we've moved into our new home. Did you hear that huge sigh of relief?! The thought of a double move was daunting. Now that I am … Continue reading Moving Joy
When You Don’t Know What to Say: Just Be There
It just keeps happening. Death keeps stalking. People continue to lose the people they love. Just this week: A husband and two teenage sons have to say goodbye to the wife and mom they adore. Parents lose a precious daughter who is off at camp for summer fun. Nine families in Charleston are reeling from … Continue reading When You Don’t Know What to Say: Just Be There
Home Goes With Us
Walking to the mailbox a few months ago, I had an epiphany. "I am not living the dream anymore." I announced it out loud. It was a clarifying, freeing moment as I let myself accept the reality of what my life is now. John and I moved to our home nearly 11 years ago. When … Continue reading Home Goes With Us
Family of Three Becomes Five Again!
We were all smiles as we poured the syrup on our pancakes, then held our glasses high to toast our school year together. We did it! We made it! A whole school year of just the three of us together. I was with my youngest two children (13, 17) as we celebrated at our favorite … Continue reading Family of Three Becomes Five Again!
Spending Time With John
At spring break, I looked at my calendar and realized my college daughters were coming home at the end of April. Yikes!! I had a sinking feeling. I had to get into high gear. No time to blog. The basement room where we store their college stuff (last year it was one daughter, this year … Continue reading Spending Time With John
where love takes you 