Tweet The older I get, and the more established in my own mothering patterns, the more I appreciate this woman. The one who taught me everything I need to know. The one whose middle name is the same as mine and as Grace’s. The one whose hair my sister and I unabashedly share (I remember [...]
Tweet I grew up in the embrace of several extended families. One of these was my godfamily. And one of these godsisters, who lives nearby, had a baby this winter. One February afternoon after school Grace, Whit and I stopped by. I parked too far away so we walked several blocks in the cold, our [...]
Tweet I recently read Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. I know her work is controversial (though I’m not totally sure why, to be honest, after reading her book), and my goal is not to review the book. But I will say I loved Lean In. I found it supportive and inspiring, and while I agree there [...]
Tweet Every night, when I put Grace and Whit to bed, I whisper, “I’ll see you in the morning.” That sentence is, as I wrote a few months ago, the distillation of parenthood. I will be here in the morning. You can go to sleep, safe, sound, trusting. I’m not the only mother who finds [...]
Tweet When my copy of The Cassoulet Saved Our Marriage, I opened it hurriedly and dove in. One of the editors, Lisa Catherine Harper, is both a friend and a writer I adore. I read, loved, and reviewed her first book, A Double Life: Discovering Motherhood. Other writers I love, like Deborah Kopaken Cogan and [...]
Tweet Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep, Its own appointed limits keep. Oh hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Amen. Eternal Father, lend Thy grace To those with wings who fly thro’ space, Thro wind [...]
Tweet We shall see but little way if we require to understand what we see. How few things can a man measure with the tape of his understanding! How many greater things might he be seeing in the meanwhile. – Thoreau For as long as I can remember, I have been literal. I have almost [...]
Tweet I have said before, and I will say again, that demonstrations of independence, bravery, and kindness by my children make me prouder than conventional achievement. Recently I have had an opportunity to see Whit in particular wade into these waters past where he is comfortable. It has been both nerve-wracking and fabulous to watch [...]
Tweet This is what happened a few weeks ago, during Nemo: Friday, snowday. Monday, snowday. Tuesday, conference day. I work full time. I do not have anywhere near full time childcare. Put these things together and you create a difficult brew with the potential for raised voices, frustration, and hurt feelings. I think of the [...]
Tweet One recent weekend morning Grace, Whit and I were puttering at home (I know! What else is new!?). I was doing laundry and they were in Grace’s room, next to mine, and they started to bicker. Suddenly, without a plan, I called, “Hey, guys! Let’s get in my bed and read.” Why not get [...]
