It can start with a word game on my phone, a combination of crossword and Boggle. I’m given a collection of letters and I have to make words that fit the spaces. One of the last words I figure out is “fatal.” Fatal. And with that one word, I’m opening my door to two strangersContinue reading “On Silly Word Games”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
On Vacation
As I write this entry, I’m alone on the swim dock, enjoying the sloshing and swaying of the lake. This is a peaceful, restorative place for our family, and our time here is one of our favorite weeks of the year. I’d be lying if I said we are completely happy, but we are trying.Continue reading “On Vacation”
On Bright Spots
I share the daily dark and twisties; it seems right to share the bright spots, too. Friday afternoon, headed to visit Logan. I’d stopped at my favorite little beach along Lake Michigan. I was already running late because of construction traffic, so I stopped to look at the beach but didn’t take the time toContinue reading “On Bright Spots”
On Grief & Logic
One year ago today, Cooper was halfway through his hospitalization in an OSF behavioral unit. Ten months ago today, Cooper died. These are dark days for me, and no matter what I try, no matter how many times I tell myself it does no good to dwell, I can’t shake the darkness. I’ve learned muchContinue reading “On Grief & Logic”
On Reprieves
Reprieve. Defined as a temporary escape from an undesirable fate or unpleasant situation. Sometimes a reprieve may arrive in the form of not thinking about the reality of my life, pushing this heartache aside for a few hours, distracting myself with something fun. My reprieve may be solitary, excepting the wildlife on or around aContinue reading “On Reprieves”
On Treading Water
June 9, 2020. Cooper left home for an extended camping trip in the Shawnee. He needed to clear his mind, figure out some things. Make a plan. He and I both knew he wasn’t himself that morning, but we also both knew he had to make this journey. Had I suspected that he would neverContinue reading “On Treading Water”
On Tinkerbells
A couple years ago, Mom asked if my sister and I would like to be summer substitutes in her Tuesday card group. We weren’t too sure, but agreed to “fill in as needed.” We didn’t really know the other women; at best, they were acquaintances. I wasn’t looking for a new friend group, but joiningContinue reading “On Tinkerbells”
On Swings
My hammock swing is my favorite spot in my yard. Even though it’s close to the road, in my swing I feel cocooned, not exposed. The swing hangs from the same long rope the kids’ disc swing occupied decades ago, but unlike my ornery daughter, I don’t jump off a chair and pretend to swingContinue reading “On Swings”
On Memorial Day
Memorial Day. Another day when my “UGH” t-shirt would’ve been appropriate. Traditionally, Memorial Day was for remembering military sacrifice. Cooper wasn’t a veteran, although he had great respect for military men and women; many of his closest college friends served. Still, I probably should have done something special today — that seems to be whatContinue reading “On Memorial Day”
On Grieving Thumbs
You know that trick where you close one eye and put your thumb a few inches from your face? Your thumb blocks out most of your view. If you move your thumb farther from your eye, your view is barely obstructed. I’m sure there’s a science term for this “trick,” but I’m no science teacher.Continue reading “On Grieving Thumbs”
Woods Writes 