Typically the oldest and youngest siblings are recognized for their leadership and charismatic qualities. Judy Blume, however, wrote a book called “The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo.” Essentially, if you are the middle child, to get noticed, you have to do something to set yourself apart to be known from the eldest […]
The Ones In The Middle Read More »
ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS said to have been honest. In his day, his reputation got around by word of mouth. Gossip about him centered on the same theme: Abe is honest. From the photographs I have seen, Lincoln appeared to have been honest in his emotions, too. His feelings look etched into his face. During the American Civil War, he wrote, “Forgive me
My mother passed away. Her doctor said things that reassured us. Sunday, “Looks like she has made this determination for herself.” I like this empowering phrase. Perhaps her body had worn out but she still had power over her reactions. Monday, “All reasonable measures have been taken.” No more tests to take. No assessments to
A Celebration of Life Read More »
WHEN I GET TO VISIT with my 3-year-old grandson Jet, he says, “Granma, take your shoes off.” When it’s time for him to go, Jet says, “But Granma, I want to stay here FOREVER!” And, I do too. I want to keep my shoes off and stay awhile longer listening to his small voice telling
You are my most precious gift from God. I am so proud of you. You are getting so big/old/ independent/lovely/responsible. I can tell that you have been working hard. I wouldn’t want to imagine my life without you. You are so special. I am so proud that you are my son/daughter. You make
Sophisticated Words for Your Kids Read More »
“MOMMY, WHERE DO babies come from?” “What?” It’s 5 o’clock and dinner is somewhere in the process of being cooked (or overcooked) and now, “Where do babies come from!?” “I don’t know.” Puzzled look. “How come you don’t know?” “Uh! OH!” I think. Until now, I knew everything. How to make kites fly. How to
PEOPLE ARE WEARING devices to count how many steps they are taking and remind them to move when they haven’t moved or met their personalized fitness goals.I see Facebook posts that read, “I made my 10,000 steps. Got my steps in today!” Being our best physical self can be a formidable goal, yet for most
I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Celebrations all over the world brighten our hearts. I’m thinking now, like many of you, about first Christmases. I recall adults holding my mitten-covered hands, walking me to and from mass on moonlit nights through crunching, scrunching snow. I feel the warmth of the church and smell the incense, fur coats, and
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SUMMER IS FULL of visits and reunions of one sort or another. How do we keep track of everyone’s name? In the olden, golden days people called each other by their surnames. The elders in my family still call their friends of 50+ years Mr. Jones or Mrs. Smith. That could be the solution; however,
Face Time Dr. Mary Speed Read More »
THE GROOM WAITS looking down the aisle to see his soon to be wife take a life changing walk. The bride looks ahead, hesitant, so many eyes on her yet more confident as her steps take her closer to him. They stand side by side hearing ancient words about commitment, respect and devotion. Then, they
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Sunday morning early after my walk on the Mandeville Lakefront, I drove past a church that was letting out. The bells caught my attention and the people existing the worship center too. Couples were holding hands, arms draped around each other’s shoulders, talking, laughing returning to their automobiles. When they looked away from each other,
