Is There a Badge for That?

Three hours into our long drive home from the University of Montana this past week, I sensed Devin had had enough of our conversation. We had covered his best and worst classes during his first year at the university; best and worst teachers; favorite friends;...

The Big Question

Most of us don’t get to our fifties without contemplating big questions like “Who am I?”  “What is my purpose?” and  “What is my relationship with the Divine?” For my mom, the questions she asks have changed considerably in...

Walking with DJ

Mom likes to say that she and her friend, DJ,  brought the neighborhood together. She met DJ and her fat schnauzer, Maggie, about ten years ago when we first moved to Twin Lakes and the two have logged a lot of miles walking together since then. In the early days,...

Don’t Say Squirrel!

Two and a half years ago we adopted Rudy, an eight year old, 90 lb. chocolate lab. His former owner had raised him since he was a puppy but could no longer care for him. At our first meeting I thought Rocky, a super neat freak,  would say, “No way” when...

Angels at the Finish Line

In 2005 my friend Suzy and I did the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day 60 mile walk in honor of her mom. For three mostly wet days we walked, told each other stories, listened to the inspiring stories of the cancer survivors who walked with us, shared a tiny tent,...

Picking up the Pieces

My brother stopped to visit us this past weekend on his way to Japan for a conference. He introduced himself, saying, “Hi Mom, I’m your son, Fred.” She smiled at his attention and his big hug. She has always loved the attention of a tall, good...