A Surprising Christmas Rite of Passage

Have you ever had a moment you expected to like, but instead felt…verklempt? This happened as I watched my son Patrick carry out two large plastic boxes from our house. Inside lay our Christmas ornaments with lights and garland to bring to his apartment. He was off to buy a tree with his live-in girlfriend, […]

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Life Lessons from the Omelet Station

Imagine making fifty omelets in a row as a line of sharp-eyed seniors watch your every move. My son Paul performs this amazing feat each Sunday as chef in an upscale retirement community. In doing so, he’s learned three valuable life lessons. Allow yourself to make mistakes – The learning curve and pace have been […]

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Full Circle at the Town Gazebo

So often we let little frustrations get to us – being stuck in traffic, a cold, rainy day, the empty milk container. But once in a while a moment comes that gives a breathtaking, bird’s eye view of our lives. It makes us grateful, even feel blessed. This happened to me recently when I had […]

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Paul’s “Full-Circle” Moment

One test of luck in life is our first boss. A bad one can fill you with insecurities and limitations. But a good one will give you knowledge and confidence and when it’s time to leave, let you go with grace. This happened to my son, Paul. Paul’s first boss was Chef Walter, who manages […]

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Sometimes It Pays to be Inept

Thank God for sons. My oldest, Patrick, offered to do something so wonderful this Christmas, so stupendous and magical, I’m pinching myself. Okay, the real reason he’s doing it is because I’m incompetent. But I’m all right with that. In fact, I couldn’t be happier. Patrick is putting up our Christmas tree. No doubt, my […]

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What I Wish I Had Known About Raising Teenage Boys

  The other day I overheard two women talking about their high school-aged sons. “I can’t motivate him,” said one with a sigh. “He’s smart, but his grades are awful. I don’t know what’s going to happen with college.” The other murmured in sympathy. Their conversation caught my ear because I used to be that […]

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The Gift of Sight: Miracle on 64th Street

  We all come to times in life when there’s an obstacle we can’t get around. No matter what we do, we can’t find a solution. That’s when sometimes we turn to a higher power. And if we’re lucky, in the quietest, most miraculous way, the answer comes. This happened to my son, Paul. When […]

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Ghosts of Christmas Trees Past

  They still haunt me. I catch glimpses of large Christmas firs in other people’s living rooms, aglow with lights and shiny ornaments. I picture wreaths and bows and poinsettias and give a sigh. That’s what my living room used to look like. But time moved on and our family has gone through three distinct […]

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So, Now That My Kids Are Older, I Don’t Have to Worry… Right?

My son Patrick and his band mates toured the Midwest recently. I followed their progress on Facebook as they drove from Connecticut to Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. In the photos, they’re young, beautiful, and smiling. I cheer along and always click the “heart button” underneath. Patrick’s doing what he loves. So why can’t […]

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