Gaining a heart of wisdom
I heard her footsteps on the stairs one night — jolted out of a sound sleep and into the familiar world of worry. Step, click, pause. The foot, the cane, the balance check. Exhaling in the dark, I realized . . . no. I had been dreaming. She’s not here anymore. She’s walking in safety… Continue reading Caregiving: Wisdom for the Sandwich Generation
The words of 17th century poet John Milton from On His Blindness, come to mind with every visit to my mother's long-term care facility: "They also serve who only stand and wait." I hope it's true, and I'd love to report that in the midst of my waiting we have warm and meaningful conversations or… Continue reading Standing and Waiting with Those Who Suffer
I heard her footsteps on the stairs last night -- jolted out of a sound sleep and into the familiar world of worry. Step, click, pause. The foot, the cane, the balance check. Exhaling in the dark, I realized . . . no. I had been dreaming. She’s not here anymore. She’s walking in safety… Continue reading The New Mommy Guilt: Putting Your Parent in a Care Facility
Slowly, slowly, she made her painful way through the kitchen. Her eyesight dimming, she had not yet detected my presence there in the room, so I could watch unnoticed and register every discouraged sigh. Then, with sad resignation, these words: “I don’t know why this has to be so hard.” Sadly, I realized that it… Continue reading It’s Time
Living Our Days 