Monday Musings: Walk and Talk…and Learn
One of the joys in my life is my annual walk with my brother. We started this tradition a few years ago. He and his family live near a beautiful … Continue reading
Three Years Ago
Three years ago I poured my grief out in the best way I knew. I sat in my bedroom, alone, writing…trying to capture all the emotions that were running through … Continue reading
Changes in Perspective
I went to my husband’s grave today. I really didn’t want to do it. I don’t find as much comfort in visiting his gravesite as some people do when they … Continue reading
Thoughts on Mother’s Day at 1 a.m.
So here I am on Mother’s Day, wide awake at 1 a.m., not understanding why I’m not in bed enjoying one of my favorite past-times: sleeping. Instead, I have one … Continue reading
Two Years Into My New Life
These have been two of the longest years of my life. And yet, I remember every detail of the day Bill died – the horrid witness of his last breath, … Continue reading
My Advent Journey This Year is a Journey Back in Time
Nearly 22 years ago, I asked my then boyfriend to attend Mass with me during the four Sundays of Advent. Our relationship had become more serious during the last few … Continue reading
Feeling Isolated, But Not Defeated
Tomorrow is my birthday. Last year, at this time, I was in Chicago celebrating with family during the weekend. This year’s birthday is on a Monday. The only plan is … Continue reading
Reflections At One Year
I’ve had a hard time coming into the month of September, because I knew what was going to happen. I knew that day I had been dreading was rapidly approaching … Continue reading
Thoughts on Love on Valentine’s Day
As a small girl, I thought there was only the love I had for my parents & grandparents, and the love I’d have for my husband. After I married and … Continue reading
Gifts From The Heart
After Bill and I had our first date over the Memorial Day weekend, he sent flowers to me at work. The card said he was looking forward to seeing me … Continue reading
Reflections on Death
My Aunt Jean died this morning. As a kid growing up around her and my other relatives, I never thought of anyone at those gathering not being there. Of course … Continue reading
Not Great…But Better
Santa comes to our house first. I’m not bragging, this is just the way it has always been. No matter where we lived, our presents arrived on Christmas Eve at … Continue reading
Reflections on 50
I spent my 50th birthday with family, just not in the way I had been planning for so many months. These are the thoughts and memories I recorded as I … Continue reading
Slowly Finding My Way
People keep telling me that this grieving process is personal. “Everyone grieves in their own way” is the phrase I keep hearing. While I appreciate the ability to find my … Continue reading
One Month, and Counting…
Well, we survived the first month. Those first few days I wasn’t sure how we were going to do that, but we did. I admit that while I know I … Continue reading
It’s All About the Joy
(Since I’m not sure about the copyright issues of actually posting this cartoon, Non Sequitur by Wiley, on my blog, I figured I’d have you check it out on the … Continue reading
As We Move Forward
The first few days are quite a blur. I know I made a lot of phone calls, made dozens of decisions, coordinated travel arrangements, arrivals and departures, bought two cemetery … Continue reading
To Be Able
I’m not going to be able to kiss you good night again. I’m not going to be able to hold your hand again. I’m not going to be able to … Continue reading
The Three Fs
Three weeks ago, I was in the midst of nature along the California coast. Last week, I was in the midst of wires and tubes – which were connected to … Continue reading
Midwestern Mom's Musings 
It Takes Strength to Ask for Help
A few weeks ago, I needed to move some furniture in the house. Normally, this isn’t a big deal. Having lived by myself for many years before getting married, I … Continue reading →