This is my ninth Mother’s Day without my mom, the wonderfully wacky, ‘Heavy D’. The familiar ache in my heart, the rush of memories, the tearing up at Mother’s Day commercials (Damn you, Publix!) and Hallmark cards; it’s just a tough time of year for so many of us, whether from the loss of our … More Mother’s Day Thoughts and Lessons
I am in a pretty dark place today and I’m not quite sure how to shake it. We had over an hour meeting via Zoom with Dan’s neurology team, followed by Dan doing 2 1/2 hours of cognitive testing. The poor guy was exhausted after all of that, so we went out to enjoy a … More Navigating the Unknown
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
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
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
Sometimes I feel I have dueling hearts; One is wise and bows to every blessing, steeped in light and hope and joy. The other lives in shadows and memories, nostalgia for what could have been, worries for what might be. Each heart serves a purpose; one to remind me to honor the past, hold onto … More Dueling Hearts
I had to smile. Lying in bed with Dan last night, Marley between us gently snoring as we talked and dreamed, one of Dan’s relaxing sleep tracks playing, and the soft whir of the fan bringing in the somewhat cooler-for-Birmingham summer breezes through the open window. Ahh, and the katydids! Their full-blown serenade filling the … More This Moment
When we’re together, a sparkle of hope and possibility shimmers all around. Your inner child delights, until tears of mirth stream down my cheeks. We are masters of the little often unseen things, as we know that those little things are truly the big things in love. I think of all you do to make … More Together
I finally discovered a word that describes my feelings for you; Amaranthine (adj.) undying, immortal, eternally beautifully. How better to express all that our love means, the many ways in which you have touched my life for the better? What a gift in this harsh world to find my twin flame, the one who spoke … More Amaranthine
I listened to a news story about pianos that had historical significance being handed down through generations of families on NPR on my long walk with Marley this morning. One of the people interviewed said that while they had the inside of the piano repaired they left the outside alone, as it bore the marks … More The Keys to Love
The View from Here 