Tag: frustration

  • When the World Literally Starts Spinning

    When the World Literally Starts Spinning

    Nothing seems straight these days. Aside from Jerry’s dying in the hospital just as we were ready to leave after his heart surgery and recovery, other things aren’t quite lining up, either. I first noticed it in my kitchen.  In those early days of wanting the kids nearby, I offered to make supper for us…

  • What No One Warned Me About When My Husband Died

    What No One Warned Me About When My Husband Died

    Are you kidding me? It’s taken two and a half months to begin to get Social Security payments resolved after Jerry’s death. This week I finally had my appointment- by phone- with a representative from Social Security. Nine weeks after my husband died. Just a month after his death, I drove to the local office…

  • One Month Later: Knowing Myself is Crucial

    One Month Later: Knowing Myself is Crucial

    At 66, I’ve learned a thing or two. Much about teaching and learning, of course. Also a bit about succeeding and “failing.” And a good deal about myself, too. This past month has been the ultimate exam in how well I know myself. One thing I’ve learned during this past month of my new situation-…

  • Stepping Back Into My Superhero Shoes

    Stepping Back Into My Superhero Shoes

    Last week I needed my superhero shoes. What began as knee pain recently resulted in a nine-day hospital stay for my mom. It was a surprise: At 90, she’s still mobile, interested in our activities, and busy with her own. At least, she was. On Monday, after my piano lesson, she told me that she…

  • Taking a Risk – Putting Faith into Action

    Taking a Risk – Putting Faith into Action

    How often do we see faith in action like this today? “Sunday, March 25, 1866 Another Sabbath has passed away…This afternoon [I] attended [the] Baptist meeting, but it proved to be mostly a business meeting. They are raising money to buy a lot and build a church as they will most likely be deprived of…

  • Reconstruction Diary Meditations: How to Be Stuck: A Lesson from 1866

    Reconstruction Diary Meditations: How to Be Stuck: A Lesson from 1866

    “Wednesday, March 21, 1866 Last night we had thunder and lightning, and a shower of rain which continued through the night. I did not go out visiting this morning [or] in the afternoon. Lizzie and I went up to town and purchased some dry goods. Good calico is 23 & 30 cents per yard, lower…