My Mom Was A Petty Thief

One of the best things I’ve found in my 50’s is acceptance of my mom. Growing up, Rita challenged my sensibilities and sanity on a regular basis by being lawless and the most unconventional mom in my circle by light years. Appreciating her took a long time and a lot of compassion. Rita was a
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basement entrance to a house

In a Youthful Register

It was my day to deliver Meals on Wheels. It’s a small way to give thanks to the senior citizens of the world, especially when you only do it once a month and pick a short route. I was checking my addresses to see how many I had left. I get bored with the task
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wrapped in daisies

A Path To Healing Through Grace

We had such sad news this week. My son Matthew’s friend Jason died, a young man we remember best as a sweet and shy seventh grader. To put a positive spin on this would be a crime. He was a boy who struggled, and that is all there is to say. Remarkably, I found a
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Ceramic Artist Beth Bolgla

Artist Beth Bolgla Has A Wonderful Vision for Living

Beth Bolgla has a unique and wonderful vision for living. She’s present, clear-eyed, and curious, with the kind of positive attitude that seems both innate and thoughtfully considered. She’s is also optimistic about things that most people aren’t. Beth visited our home a few years ago to discuss featuring her ceramics at Catherine’s Table, my
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Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

The Signs Told the Story

The day we dropped our daughter Emma off at Rhodes College was a not a day orchestrated for reflection. There was a brisk schedule to keep and a well filled with angst and sadness in my heart. My baby was moving on. When Emma was settled in her dorm room, the last pillow arranged on
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Grandpa Lou, the Optimist

An Optimist Who Lived With Intention

My father-in-law Lou died one year ago. His daughter Barbara and I sat with him for the last bit life and the final blessing. A year later Lou’s gifts of unquestioning optimism and confidence seem more remarkable than ever. All his accomplishments began with a foundation of consistent hard work, but they were realized because
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Everyone's Mom Aunt Kay

Everyone’s Mom

Kay Math is a wonder and a beloved aunt. In addition to parenting her five children, she is a mom to many of her nieces and nephews, including me. She taught me how to bake, sew, iron, shuck corn, slice a tomato and churn butter. By example, she demonstrated how to be a gracious hostess
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