I am sitting in the waiting room of the O’Neal Cancer Center at UAB where Dan is having a PET Scan done, the final test before he officially begins the Alzheimer’s clinical trial. It’s been a tough day for my sweet husband, with the chaos of the upstairs renovations going on non-stop and no coffee … More On Meetings of Chance
I am still in a strange place as I try to process what is happening to Dan since his early stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He begins the clinical trial at UAB soon after one more test. He is in good spirits most of the time about it all- but that’s my Dan; always doing his best … More Dreams in Pieces
(This blog should have been published weeks ago, but- life. I am determined to getting back to regular posting, so please bear with me.) Have you ever had a holiday where you thought, “Dear Lord, we could write a country song about this one!” I’m just going to be honest; this holiday has been a … More Better Late Than Never: Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas
Sunday, June 26th I am on a plane sitting next to my best friend and duo partner, Diane, as we make our way to ClarinetFest®️ in Reno, Nevada. This will be our first gathering of the International Clarinet Association in almost three years thanks to Covid. We are hoping for a fun and drama-free time, … More On Finding Peace in Pieces
Today is my 59th trip around the sun. It’s actually been one of the loveliest birthdays that I can recall; gentle, peaceful, fun, and filled with love. I am reminded again and again how fortunate I am to have a wealth of wonderful folks in my life. It truly is humbling as I receive messages … More Birthdays in the Here and Now
I am curled up on the couch with Marley this Christmas Eve, Dan in his chair next to the fireplace. We’ve turned off the television and are enjoying the festive lights and relative quiet here in our Southside, Birmingham, neighborhood (other than the occasional fireworks). The comforting hiss of the gas fireplace accompanying the blessed … More Missing Pieces
There are times when my heart feels filled with shards of glass, glistening and beautiful, but painful to embrace. Sometimes it is too much to take in; the worry, the pain, the heavy responsibility. My brain freezes, numbing the pain, allowing my heart time to just be. Memories of what was and dreams- or perhaps … More Shards
I’m lying in bed listening to one of the wonderful sleep mixes Dan has put together for us. The view is crystal clear after last night’s storm blew away most of the remaining leaves. Marley is snoring between us and the fluffy comforter feels wonderful on this chilly night in Birmingham. Along with listening to … More On Medicinal Escapes: Part I
Marley won’t go up to bed until she is absolutely sure that I am joining her, and she always stops mid way to be sure that I’m still right behind her. As I and my sweet girl headed up tonight, I smiled at the wonderfully comforting nightly routine, memories of other precious dogs who walked … More Stairway to Heaven
Don’t let this angelic face fool you- this too-good-to-be-true loving dawg is an addict. Her drug of choice? Shiva’s cat food (and she’s possibly an adrenaline junkie, too, as she is certainly challenging fate by taking said food from the said Demon Seed..I mean, that takes guts, right? We found Shiva’s bowl wiped out a … More Marley-Tails: Upon Which a Mystery is Solved
The View from Here 