Sometimes the search itself lends to the greatest realizations. It’s been such a difficult year for everyone. Our family is no different. We’ve lost far too many people whom we loved deeply. Some of our goals and pathways have been derailed. Goodbyes have been left unsaid, and some of our relationships have been strained. But… Continue reading Gratitude

About four and a half years ago, I lost my oldest brother. Marc loomed large in my life. He was brilliant, kind, charming and childlike. He was also mentally ill, challenging and reclusive. For all long as I can remember, he was the older brother I would turn to and look toward and hold closest.… Continue reading Find your pace

My daughter feels very deeply. She always has. Yesterday morning, September 19th, Natalie found me in the kitchen making tea. Generally, when we see each other, she begins with a story, a story in which she is the leading character. This morning, however, she began with, “Mom, how are you?”, and I must have looked… Continue reading Mourn, take up the collar, and move forward.

(updated from a piece from 2015) Years ago, when our children were young and we lived in a duplex, the other half of our house was lived in by an older couple who had immigrated from Iran. They had a huge garden, ornate furniture, incredibly generous hearts, lots of Iranian friends, innumerable cars, and the… Continue reading Joan and Mary & The Alzmeyer’s

We lost her slowly over the past few years, one story, one day, one memory at a time. On Friday, we lost her completely. My mother in law has been ‘Mom’ to me for more than 31 years, longer even than my own mother was in my life. She was opinionated, could be a bit… Continue reading Mary Elizabeth