The anniversary of my mother’s death is tomorrow. She’s been gone 26 years. I wrote this piece a while back, but I think it expresses some of my thoughts on my mother’s passing. I loved her very much and miss her every day. A train is a means of conveyance that moves on a track…
Tag: death
A Bond That Came from Keeping Vigil
I had a nice, long talk with my little brother Sam today. Sam is five years my junior, the same age as my husband, Ray, and lives in Nashville with his wife, Jaime. He and I are both busy, and sometimes it takes a while before we figure out a time to connect on the…
May 2nd and 3rd, 2004: My Brother George’s Last Days
I wrote this several years back, but I love this story of my brother George’s last day. My brother approached death with such grace, it was awe-inspiring. *** Twenty-one years ago tomorrow, my brother George passed away. He was 54 years old. George called on the evening of May 2nd, 2004, and told me that…
Previously Unseen Photos of My Beloved Brother, George
Today, one of my hometown friends posted some pictures of my brother, George, that were taken in the early 1970’s. That would make George about 21 or 22. These pictures are precious to me because they are the only ones I’ve seen of my brother during this time and you can see what a handsome…
For Barry: Sailing into the Sunset
An old friend of mine died today. Barry Norcross, aged 80, was a faithful parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood; a leader at the Breakfast Club, the homeless feeding program at St. Thomas; and also a seasoned sea-captain. He was over 6 feet tall, slim, with bright blue eyes, handsome features and a regal…
Haiku Prompt: Unfettered at Last
Sister, where are you? Did our brothers come greet you? Did our parents smile? Are you happy now? Free from all earthly burdens? Surrounded by love? Did this surprise you? The fast shift from life to death? Or were you ready? You seem closer now No illness to separate A thin veil away Easter Day…
Haiku Prompt: I Saw Sis Today
Today I saw Sis Her bright smile clear in my mind Her laugh like music Her olive skin smooth Her fingers slim and tapered Her brown eyes twinkling Her wore a plaid skirt And an open-throated blouse Her silver hair short She stood not far off And I felt happy inside Seeing her glad face…
Flash Essay Prompt: Losing My Sister Twice
Today, I’m sad. I feel a weight in my chest and a general heaviness in my whole body. I just want to lay my head down, stare at the wall, or go to sleep. Of course I know why I’m sad. It’s reasonable to be melancholy when you’ve just lost your only sister, your oldest…
Poetry Prompt: Good-Bye to My Sister
I see her lying in her hospital bed Dark brown eyes half closed Square jaw tight Can she hear me? I lean close “Hello, Sister.” Her pale lips shift Into a half-smile Her skin is smooth Her body warm Her legs toned From constant walking But I know this body Is hiding the truth That…
20 Minutes a Day 