Category: Memoir
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When doing the right thing kicks your butt
Giving blood was always a thing for some of my family. My grandpa belonged to the hundred gallon club. My mom did, too. Okay, my brother says it couldn’t possibly be a “hundred gallons.” Ten gallons maybe? Every chance they had, they went to Ball Memorial Hospital in our hometown to give blood. Following suit,…
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Keeping Score
“You can do anything” rang through my ears when I was growing up. It wasn’t true. I knew I’d never be a ballerina. But then… I never wanted to be. “You’re just like your mother and your grandmother,” my dad would exclaim in wonder. “Anything you try, you can do.” Maybe there was some truth …
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Why I speak gibberish
What was your first word? Of course, you don’t remember, but maybe your mom does. Or your dad, especially if it was “Da Da.” My oldest child’s first word was “Ah-ee.” Luckily, I knew that this two-syllable utterance actually had a meaning. Otherwise, I might’ve missed this watershed baby book moment. She was referring to…
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The Parts We Play
Her slim, veined hand rested in mine, as we sat on the generic floral couch in the wood-trimmed lounge. A piano nearby hinted that Uncle Bob or Aunt Becky might drop by unannounced for a Sunday afternoon visit in the parlor though only a perky nurse-in-training poked her head through the open doorway to be…
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A Real Snow Day
Before digital learning stole our winter joy “Looks like it might snow tonight,” says my husband as he turns to the weather channel. “See that dark blue band? It’s headed right toward us.” He pushes the thick comforter back to the footboard of the king-sized bed. He is never cold; but I’m usually freezing. He…