Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 I wake up every Monday morning a little anxious. Ok if we are being real here, I wake up Monday mornings more than a little anxious. Mondays for me can feel a little overwhelming with reviewing all I have to get done for the week. It starts really on Sunday evenings. Do you ever feel that … [Read more...]
4 lessons my father taught me as he walked into the arms of the Lord.
Exactly one year ago this week my father marked his 100th birthday. Lots of family and friends attended his “party” to celebrate this huge milestone and to wish him well. My father’s good health and mental sharpness were certainly contributing factors to him becoming a centenarian. While I certainly didn’t take that for granted, we had every reason to believe that there would be another party … [Read more...]
Remind Us to Breathe
My son and I are currently hanging out in our RV at a naval base in California. This morning I heard chanting on the path behind our camper and looked outside to see a squad of naval cadets jogging. They were doing what the military likes to call a “fun run." Or the less fun term, squadron PT. In the front was the leader, carrying the squadron flag and leading the group chant. Directly behind him … [Read more...]
The Surprising World of Attachment Issues in My Adoption
Like a punch in the stomach was the excruciatingly hard reality of fostering. The journey was just beginning. How his past trauma and lack of attachment impacted his brain functioning took us by surprise. The child was dangerously impulsive, respected no boundaries, and did what he pleased to the point of manipulation—at three! Yet at the same time he was very infantile in his mannerisms. I … [Read more...]
Autism and Dementia: How Do We Cope?
Last week, on a gloomy Thursday afternoon, I sat in the prayer room on our retreat center’s property with a student from Miami University. It was the first meeting of a spiritual mentoring relationship. I lit a candle and made her a cup of tea. Frankly, I wondered if I had anything to give that day. The day before I’d visited my mom, who is careening headlong into full-blown dementia. I’d … [Read more...]
Capture the Wonder of Every Day
A few Sundays ago, I listened to the parable of the ten bridesmaids as it was read in mass. The message to “be prepared” came through loud and clear. On that particular Sunday, though, this gospel reading took on a very different twist. You see, three days prior, my father had passed away at the age of 100. He had lived at home rather independently (with some daily support) up until 12 days … [Read more...]