Holidays are celebrated and kept precious with traditions. In this constantly changing world, we cling to the comfort of something constant. So, losses often hit us the hardest in times of tradition. Suddenly, the way we've always done this is changed forever and it's devastating. What do we do [...]
A Table for 1 on Valentine's Day Holidays/birthdays/anniversaries ... there is always one of these days looming around the corner it seems when we are in the throws of grief. Days that used to hold so much joy and fun and now hold anxiety, dread and loss. How do we cope with [...]
Each year as we prepare for and pass by our Candlelight Service of Remembrance I am confronted with the multitudes of losses experienced in our community in just 1 year. I think of these families and wonder how their holidays are going. I'm sure they didn't expect to be in [...]
For some of you, this is not the first holiday where you will be missing people you love. You "survived" the holidays last year but maybe just barely. Perhaps you feel like you can't get in the spirit of Christmas, you feel like a desolate place and everyone [...]
If you've lived in California long enough, you'll be nodding & laughing as you read down the list of only in Southern California Christmas Traditions: - If you go see the lights in Naples - it's worth the drive to Belmont Shore to see the gorgeous lights that [...]
I was just in high school when 9/11 happened. Just a naive 15-year-old. I saw the second plane hit, I ran back to tell my mom what was happening. I remember her curling her hair with tears streaming down her face. That day I shared in the shock with [...]
Diversity is a constant in life. It teaches us how to be flexible under stress, to appreciate ourselves and each other. Diversity tells us that it’s OK to be curious and ask questions, to live and let live. Diversity isn’t always drastic. Subtle diversity can yield the greatest experiences. [...]
Gettysburg: Haunting Me Still While many of you will be celebrating the 4th of July tomorrow, tonight, at my house, there will be a small gathering of people to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Ok, so that’s pretty different, perhaps you think it’s odd; I [...]
Journey Mercies . . . I BELIEVE in Christmas Just when the air turns colder and the days shrink into darkness, the Christmas season arrives. It begins at Thanksgiving – with families, feast and football. Then, during the next few weeks we shop and decorate, worship and become transformed [...]
About a year ago, my grandson Alex loaded a bunch of new music on the little iPod I use at the gym. I was working away on the elliptical machine one evening and suddenly in a pretty country voice, I heard the following words: “Who will watch the home [...]
