Today, we visited Ethan at the hospital. He’d already had his dressings changed and had managed to sit on a little toy car with wheels and push himself down the hall with his feet. This was the first time he had actually put any pressure on the very raw, skinless soles of his feet. The…
Ethan Update #2
According to Ethan’s dad, Ethan was “exponentially better” today. His appetite and energy were up, and he put a little weight on his feet. However, Liz said the doctor told her that Ethan could remain in the hospital for another week or two due to the need for intensive wound care and physical therapy. The…
Ethan Update
We visited Ethan and his parents at USC Hospital today. Ethan was in the playroom for part of the time we saw them, and then we headed back to their room in the burn unit. Ethan had been given some heavy drugs to help get through the “deep cleaning” they did on his feet, and…
A Very Hard Week for Little Ethan (and His Parents)
Last Sunday, our daughter Liz, her husband Ron, and 17 1/2 month Ethan were at a small beach below Monterrey. There were many other kids there since there was a playground right on the beach, and many other parents. Ethan was toddling along, exploring with Liz a few steps behind when she heard him cry…
Poem: With the Arrival of June
June is a new monthOne where I can slow down, breathe, and noticeUndulating thoughts that have been swirling in my mindRecognize what they are and contemplate what they meanNow and forever in my lifeAllowing me the space to see what most matters to meLeaving my mind open to form new interpretationsImagining the life I truly…
A Ritual of Childhood
Two words randomly paired: youth and scissors So many stories of childrenSneaking into the bathroom drawerFinding the scissors, and having at itOn their head of hairBangs crooked, jagged edgesHunks cut right out behind earsOr on the top or backTransforming a little angel into a spikey-haired impThis hair massacre is a ritual of childhood The chance…
Our Flight from LA to Texas: A Lesson in Waiting
Ray and I flew to Texas yesterday from Los Angeles. Normally, this is easy: drive to LAX, get on the plane, fly to DFW, pick up our rental car, and drive to Sherman. No biggie. However, yesterday, we had a slightly different experience. Okay, not slightly. Let’s call it a significantly different experience. Where to…
Only in LA: Listen to Our Lyft Driver’s Excellent Song
Today, Ray and I took a Lyft across town in LA. As we headed off to our destination, we soon were in a lively conversation with our Lyft driver. He was a 20-something young man who told us he was born in Amarillo, Texas and lived there until he was 7. He then moved with…
Poem: Death Comes in Threes
This is my first attempt at a villanelle poem. Its complicated rhyming scheme makes it quite challenging. I will do my best, which may not be very impressive. However I fare, I can already see that this type of poetry is a good workout for the brain. Death Comes in ThreesSuperstition suggests death comes in…
Poem: The Pond Turtle
Floating in the pondGlad to feel the sunMy brown shell is warmLife is full of funHow happy I amTo have turtle thoughtsI feast on green leaves and insectsWhatever I’ve caughtI live many yearsMate in spring and fallLounge with friends on logsGive swimming my allWhose life is this good?Even with my foesBig fish, snakes, bull frogsCount…
20 Minutes a Day 