25 years ago, Gary held our first newborn, Travis. He swaddled him in the baby soft blanket, tenderly kissed him on the forehead, and whispered, “I love you,” as he laid him down in the cradle to sleep. That may not seem like anything extraordinary for a father to do...
I cut into a perfectly grilled steak at the moment the waitress tucked the pad in her pocket and paused at our table. She overheard that it was our anniversary. I was hoping she paused to offer a free dessert for our special occasion. Instead, she paused to receive...
Giving. That’s the word that describes my mom. With Mother’s Day coming up, I’ve been thinking about her a lot. It’s the fifth May that I’m remembering mom instead of celebrating with her. I’ve joined many of my friends in this tender place of reminiscing. That’s how...
It’s my turn in the backseat. We’re halfway home on an 18-hour road trip back to West Texas from the Tennessee Smoky Mountains. Our college sons are in the front now—one drives while the other plays the music. I’m enjoying the scenery from the back. The pear trees...
It’s February already! Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, today I’m going to share some insights about love from one of our favorite life philosophers, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. My husband has loved them since he was a kid—he still has a Peanuts bed...
Do you feel afraid of what’s ahead? Maybe it’s changes that you’re anticipating—a new season for the family, new job, new commitments. Or maybe it’s the old that you’re afraid of. You’re afraid the old problems will stay the same and you can’t handle them much longer....
