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Finding Joy in Today
Twenty-four days before we were set to embark on the trip of a lifetime, my husband Frank had a major health crisis. For months, we had planned this Rhine River cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Then Frank wound up in intensive care. Four days after he was out of the hospital and on the road to recovery, we consulted with doctors about the trip. “If it were me,” one doctor said, “I’d go.” Should we let the stress of yesterday and the uncertainty of tomorrow change our plans? Or should we enjoy today? We filled prescriptions and…
The ’48 Ford Truck Reflects
At 72 years of age, my engine has turned over a few times. I have multiple dents in my fender, my tailgate shows wear, and I have plenty of dings in my wooden truck bed. So as I hear the hotrods roaring to the Dells for the annual automotion classic car show, my cherry red paint wants to curl up. Most of these Street Rods, Roadsters, and Muscle Cars, with flames painted on their sides or flames shooting out from their tailpipes, are what I once heard someone call Trailer Queens. They’re only taken out of their climate-controlled garages to…
How You Can Change a Life
Mother’s Day is May 14th. Many youngsters could use a mother or adult mentor in their life. Fortunately, there’s a volunteer program which gives them a chance to develop relationships with adults who can guide and encourage them. Together, child and adult enjoy time together at the park, baking cookies, playing sports, watching a movie, or simply chatting and laughing.This program has also proven to help children become more confident, do better in school, and build friendships. The program is “Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America” and has changed lives. My writer friend, Mel Hammond, has been a Big since 2017,…
One Brave Act
My husband and I will travel to Europe soon on a river cruise along the Rhine. We aren’t seasoned travelers, and instead of anticipating the joy of seeing the beauty of French villages and the Swiss Alps, the “what ifs” have invaded my head. What if we forget something like our passport or can’t find our way around the Chicago airport or miss our connection in Ireland? What if one of us becomes ill or we lose our credit card or…? Worries keep creeping in. I recently read the advice to do one brave thing each day. Since reading that,…
A Mother’s Echoing Words
Days before my mother died, she turned to me and, eyes moist with both sadness and gratitude, she shared her dying thought. “The best thing I ever did in my life was to have you kids.” These words have been echoing in my head over the past two weeks since my husband Frank has had serious health challenges. Our children have supported us through these tough times. Frank’s recovering, and over the past few evenings, we’ve relaxed by looking at old 8mm films of our kids. Watching how our son made sure he safely drove his little sisters who were…
Ready to Party?
Let’s celebrate with Mother Earth this spring! As stewards working hard to protect our home, we should also set aside time to enjoy it. Join a group or enjoy a solo adventure. Most of these ideas are near Wisconsin Dells. If you live elsewhere, though, they may inspire you to search for similar recreational opportunities in your area. C’mon, Earth-lovers. Let’s party!
The Voices in Our Heads
I hear voices in my head. I’m guessing you do too. Advice different people have given me over the year returns at various times. For instance, when I think things like I wish it was summer, advice from a coworker twenty years ago haunts me. I had commented on how I was looking forward to the weekend and she gently replied, “Amy, don’t wish your life away.” In other words, don’t forget to enjoy spring! When I’m tempted to complain about some minor ache and pain, I hear my dad scoff, “You’ll live.” Similarly, I hear my mom quoting the…
Parade of Priorities
I sat down with a new friend during my recent trip, and she mentioned she and another friend were going to an Alabama Parade of Homes on Sunday. “Did I want to come along?” My remaining vacation days are few, and I tilt my head and ponder. Magnolia Springs has lovely homes under canopies of majestic live oaks. I’d enjoy seeing the landscaping and gardens. Viewing the latest and the greatest in the world of design could give me some ideas of how to upgrade our own home. My kids have commented on our outdated furnishings such as window dressings…