The Christmas Miracle
The deep red poinsettias glowed against the dark wood steps. Hundreds of white lights sparkled on the evergreen trees. The candelabra were lit and the baby Jesus lay in his manger bed, but he was hidden by the coffin. It was quiet and peaceful, everyone waiting for the funeral to begin. Then it was time,…
A Rose-Colored Sunday
Gaudete Sunday. Rejoice! The time of waiting was nearly over, with Christmas only ten days away. Except he wasn’t rejoicing; in fact, he was standing by the piano screaming. People were still filing out of the church, but he had no intention of waiting for a quiet moment. She could only stand there, listening, until…
Advent
For me, the best image has always been the night sky on a crisp December evening. Small pinpoints of light in the darkness. The air just cold enough to make your eyes crinkle, but not so cold that your lungs hurt. The world is quiet, as though listening for the stars to speak. This is…
Touching the Sky
Memories can be like our favorite shoes, we keep them handy and slide into them easily when we’re ready for a walk through the past. They fit us well, these memories, and we treasure the comfort and happiness they bring. My memories of Mary Ann are part of a magical childhood of summers spent at…
Waiting
It will be years before she knows if it was the easiest or the most difficult decision of her life. There were so many things to consider, so many possible outcomes, so many voices to hear. But in the end it was the ache in her heart that made the decision possible. She would adopt.…
I Go to Prepare a Place for You
She had a wonderful life. Her husband adored her and she him. He was a decorated Air Force officer and she treasured their life together. They raised three daughters, lived close to their grandchildren and were surrounded by friends. Through the moves and the usual ups and downs of all relationships, she stayed true to…
In Their Honor
The funeral was over. All was quiet until: three shots, loud, startling, tear-inducing. And then the plaintive notes of the horn. Since my Father’s committal service at Fort Logan National Cemetery nearly 10 years ago, I have heard this tribute many times for family, friends, strangers. First it is the unfolding, folding and presentation of…
Where is God?
Everything held promise. A beautiful Church wedding followed by a fun-filled reception. Husband and wife prepared to meet the world with love and excitement. It was all going according to plan. The loving couple blessed with three children. School days and holidays and summer days spent growing together, laughing, arguing, embracing. And then, as happens…
Pretty in Pink – What You Don’t Know
Breast cancer is not one size fits all. Some women will be survivors, and others will be taken by this disease. Every woman is affected. Statistics from the American Cancer Society are sobering. In the United States in 2018: 1 in 8 Women will Develop Breast Cancer 266,120 New Cases of Invasive Breast Cancer will…
Pretty in Pink – The Bald Frontier
Several years ago my husband and I were having a drink while waiting for our reservation. As we left the bar for our table I recognized a gentleman as we walked past. “I thought it was you,” he said. “I recognized your hair.” Seriously. Once I took a friend to my stylist – who has…