My children were young in the nineties. The wisdom of the day on parenting, via the latest headline, newspaper or magazine article or television talk show suggested that we keep our kids busy. The thought being: “idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” There were other nuggets of wisdom: put them in sports, keep them active […]
In my first twelve-step meeting, everyone kept telling me that addiction is a family disease. I had no idea what they meant. Eight years later, as I sat in another meeting that I had volunteered to chair, several people arrived that I did not know from our usual group. That either means that they are a […]
This is one of my heroes. His name is Greg Boyle, SJ. He is a priest from Los Angles, CA who started and now runs the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. I am such a fan that I’ve toured his ‘Homeboy Industries’ and eaten at ‘Homegirl Cafe in Los Angeles. And, […]
The last couple of posts were about steps one and two. Step one reminds me that I am powerless over many things but most especially over the addictions of others. I must firmly accept that powerlessness before I can consider reaching for help outside of myself. Step two stresses the need for me to grow […]
I used to facilitate an expressive writing class at our county jail. One of our fun activities involved using something called a story starter. A story starter is a way to give the writer a place to begin. I would give each young lady a slip of paper with a sentence written on it and […]
This morning as I sat in mass, I noticed four sets of parents that I recognized because their kids had gone to school with our kids. I knew one couple because their son and our oldest son had gone to kindergarten together. It gave me a warm feeling seeing those parents sitting in front […]
This past week Nashville’s mayor, Megan Barry lost her son to a drug overdose. Just typing that sentence takes my breath away. Not because I knew the mayor or her son, but because I know that it could have been me. I’ve had friends and family members who have lost children to this […]
My mother used to tell me that we don’t plant trees for ourselves. They are a gift that we leave for future generations. When I posted my last blog, my sister made a comment that encouraged me to keep writing. She mentioned that we never know who we might encourage or inspire and […]
Last year, I completed a manuscript that I’d been working on for a very long time. There was some initial interest, but it ended with a ‘no, thank you’. So, I did what all respectable southern women do…I took to my bed. I’m not sure if you know what that means and perhaps it […]
Paradox is hard to miss here. It forces me to pay attention. Modern high-end resorts sit next to the ravages that Ivan left behind back in 2004. The lovely beaches, I expected. The flood of childhood memories was a surprise. Chickens are everywhere. They announce the sunrise to all who attempt to sleep past the day’s arrival. […]