[Jan. 14] It takes awhile to vacuum the little pieces of paper in the office left over from the shredder. I try to get some joy out of using the leaf-blower on the deck, but individual leaf stems and bird seed are stuck between the floorboards. In this last cleaning of the rental house, I’m … read more Harvest moon
Tag: 2010
Bonded
This is my son, Tom. Richard introduced Tom a half-dozen times this weekend. Each time, he said those words clearly and with warmth. It felt better each time. Tom realized that he’d never heard it spoken that way before. This is my son, Tom. The impact of these words sums up what became clear over the … read more Bonded
At the threshold
We were running late, of course. Everything takes longer when one of you is in a wheelchair and neither of you is sleeping very well. Tom’s appointment at the barbershop was for 10 a.m. I’d called to let them know we would be late, and the receptionist said it was OK as long as we … read more At the threshold
Drunken bees
One of the reasons I grow passionflower is to serve as a bartender to bees. They love the rich nectar of this showy blossom so much that they get drunk on it. The first sign is when the bee simply sits on the barstool without moving. Next, they get disoriented and can’t seem to navigate the bar, … read more Drunken bees
Exit stage left
When my parents died, it really wasn’t so bad to take care of their belongings. My three sisters and I did it in a couple of days. My parents lived very simply. They shared a single closet that was maybe 12 feet long for all their clothes. They had a collection of about 20 CDs, … read more Exit stage left
No foolin’
Aunts Clara and Bette showed up right on time to pick up Dad for a lunch outing that day. They pulled into the driveway – and got a shock. Dad came to the door in his bathrobe and staggered to the car, moaning. “Ohhhh, take me to the hospital!” he groaned. Alarmed, they helped him … read more No foolin’
Day 17: Pennies from Dad
I’ve had a struggle the past few days with a tooth that’s gone bad and is throbbing with pain. I’m facing a huge dental bill that will wipe out my entire health savings account. This was making me feel poor and helpless and old, though I am not any of those things. I was just … read more Day 17: Pennies from Dad
Day 16: Pennies from Heaven
Until I started on this project, I was unaware of the myth that, when someone who is dead misses you, wants to make their presence known, or just wants to say Hi, they throw a penny in your path. But the saying “Pennies from heaven” is of unclear origin; it means money acquired without risk or … read more Day 16: Pennies from Heaven
Day 6: Foundations
Tom is getting ready to start a new job tomorrow. He’s determined to take full advantage of all that this opportunity has to offer. In the past few weeks, he has gone to great lengths to prepare himself mentally, physically, logistically, to succeed at this job. I offered a list of ways that I thought … read more Day 6: Foundations