A Library Burns An old African (attributed) proverb maintains that, “When an Elder dies, a library burns to the ground.” Books on shelves don’t tell stories. We have to open and read them. Usually, it’s not until we’re older that …
When an Elder Dies, A Library Burns to the Ground. Read more »
On the eve of my 1977 wedding I backed out. At least I thought about it. We were at the church laboring through each step of the rehearsal. The wedding party had filed in front of the altar as we …
There’s so much to see, hear, and feel in the woods, it’s not surprising to find myself tripping over roots from time to time. Thankfully, I’ve never fallen on my face, merely stumbled before regaining my footing. I’d rather be …
Rather than mounting an armed resistance to pain, have you considered throwing out the welcome mat instead? Pain comes in many forms—physical, emotional, spiritual—an unwelcome and uninvited intruder. We use a variety of strategies to resist and fend it off. …
I learned to ride a motorcycle at age sixteen, when you’re invincible. What could go wrong? It’s easy to learn a new skill. No one told me I could or couldn’t do it or what might happen. It started out …
What a Ride! Navigating During Times of Transition Read more »
Dad was well into his eighties when I stopped at the farm for an overnight visit on my way to spend American Thanksgiving with friends in Georgia. Having ridden two hours, I could make it down in two days, an …
It’s hard to imagine a realm when everything changes. Each year, my heart soars higher when I ride my motorcycle. It takes flight as soon as I turn the key in the ignition and ascends as I pull out of …
Falling into the Unknown Finding ourselves on the path into the unknown rattles us. Remember the past? Life felt predictable, consistent, secure, and we knew the rules of engagement. Whether we were absorbed in an established career, off on a …
If there’s one thing I have learned by now, it’s to expect the unexpected. Still, I didn’t see this surprise of a lifetime coming. I’m not talking about COVID-19, although the virus has precipitated a time of collective and personal …
It’s been more than two weeks since a fender bender impacted (pun intended) an otherwise placid day. I gathered the lessons and wrote about them last week, yet the experience continued to gnaw at me. Although my initial reflections stand, …