Dear Old House, Well, the time has finally come. In a few short weeks, we will finally be closing on you. This is the last piece of business that we must do to wrap up my parents’ estate. In a way, I guess it is also the last little piece of them. To the outside world, I know you look like just an old, rundown ranch-style home. But to me, you were so much more. You … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: All Signs Point to YES
Do you believe in signs? I’m not talking about road signs or astrological ones. I mean signs, as in those subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle), gentle nudges from the universe that can help point us in the right direction, confirm our decisions, or just offer us a sense of hope. I am sure right about now some of you may be rolling your eyes. Hey, I get it. I am a … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: With This Ring
A few months back, my niece surprised me by asking if I would consider becoming ordained so I could marry her and her fiancé. Those who know me can confirm that I ALWAYS have something to say, but this question literally left me speechless. After a few awkward, silent moments, my niece went on to explain that they wanted their ceremony to be done by someone who really knew them … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: Life Lessons From a Crashed Laptop
Recently, I had one of my biggest nightmares happen … my laptop crashed. Now to some, this might come across as melodramatic ... but to me, my laptop is much more than a mere portable computer. As a writer, my laptop is my lifeline – my emotional release, my therapy ... not to mention it is the mode on which I work! So, when my screen turned different shades of pink and a … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: Ho, Ho, Hope
“I’m not ready to stop believing in Santa Claus,” my 75-year-old father declared from his ICU hospital bed. “Daddy, I think you are confused. You’re JEWISH!” I giggled while texting a message to my husband reminding him to pick up the kids from school. This was life for my father toward the end, random comments like this were not uncommon. I would nonchalantly point out … [Read more...]