A Voice in the Storm
I hurried to get finished with my sewing. It was noon and I was behind schedule. As my machine hummed my mind wandered and then stopped. I could hear a child crying.
Patricia Schneider
What Lights Up Your Life
The view out the living room window is the reason we bought the house. There is a winding road edged by large poplars and fir trees that leads out to the access avenue. Beyond all this is a view of the city, sitting in the lap of the surrounding hills and way beyond that a glimpse of snow covered mountains.
Winter or summer the view delights the eye.
But like life, there are always things that spoil what was perfect.
The Freshness of Senior Years
I had a conversation recently with my cousin who attends an evangelical church in town. We often talk about our religious beliefs. I love her dearly and we share easily what is happening in our churches.
Overabundance
Finally, we couldn’t stand it any longer and we rapped on the door.
“Could we please pick some of your apricots?” we begged. “They are falling off the trees and we can’t stand seeing them go to waste.”
Name Calling
My sister phoned me the other day. She is 10 years older than I am and although we are both seniors, to her, I am her “baby sister.”
Lessons From a Friend
It was a bright and cheery morning and we were all collected around the table of a much loved acquaintance…we had been doing this each Saturday morning for years. My friend has Parkinson’s and we try each week to bring her a bit of the past and the present in our remembrances and our togetherness.
Family Visits
I wandered down to the basement bedroom and looked at what was left… a messed up bed and a playpen in one corner. But memories flitted through my head.
Blessings Old and New
We’ve been neighbours for 20 years. Sadly, I watch her husky sons load the truck as they haul their mother’s furniture to her new apartment.
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
It always amazes me that the children you bear can be so terribly different. Delightful but different.
Covered with Cobwebs
My hip surgery was behind me, my recovery going very well and the sun which had only shone seven days out of 31 last month was finally shinning brilliantly.
And He Carried Me
I woke up gradually and saw the face of my youngest daughter gazing at me rather anxiously. My hip surgery was over and now it was time to get back to the real world.
When the Curtain Goes Down
Many of us have experienced the let-down when the theatre play is over. It’s natural. For a while we are caught up in the movement, the story and sometimes the music and then it is done.
This Old House
Daughter Robin bought our old house when we decided to move. It certainly made things easier…I didn’t have to tidy it up constantly for prospective buyers, and I left packed up boxes everywhere. Then one day in September the movers arrived.
Acceptance
Let there be laughter … no more tears
I’ve cried a river these past few years
Changing Weather Patterns
There are so many examples in nature that remind us that things are never static … change is inevitable .
Ode to a Widowed Friend
Things will get better, I know that’s true
Because I’ve walked the same road as you.
Timber!
Up the stairs I lug the fair sized box. It contains my Christmas tree. This year I feel a little more enthusiastic about putting it up. (I know widows that refuse to continue putting up trees, but I’m a traditionalist.)
Comparing Griefs
One thing I have learned these past few years is how varied grief is. My experience is similar to many yet I find others who are far more stoic, maybe braver, and not nearly as emotional as I have been.
Of Squeezes and Squabbles
I have kept a number of emails sent me after Harry died … one from a dear friend who assured me that although time would help, I would probably never get over my grief as my grief was a tribute to a man who loved me for many years.
And perhaps it is true, that the more you love someone the more you grieve.
Similar Faces
I met someone the other day
And saw in her my past