This week I feel every one of my 49 years. My nerves are shot. I’m tired and more than a little cranky. I’m in need of a makeover, or more appropriately, a rewrite. After years of guiltily reading romance novels, I’ve decided to take a page from one and reframe my life. I may even put a picture of my dishwasher dressed in a flowing gown on the cover. The … [Read more...]
Educating Lizzy
The other day I had my annual parent/teacher conference for my 13-year-old daughter. Each and every time I visit Lizzy’s school, I’m assaulted with a range of emotions, from gratitude and respect for the school’s teachers and staff to dread and sadness as I get buzzed through the heavy doors and enter the lobby. I smile at the attendants at the front desk as I sign the guest … [Read more...]
Dear Elizabeth’s Mom
Thirteen years ago a little baby girl with a head full of thick black hair made her way into the world. She screamed so loud that when we told the doctor her name, he looked up and said, “Elizabeth is too demure a name for such a noisy little girl.” Six weeks later I was cuddling my daughter when I looked down at her and experienced a panic that I’d never had before or … [Read more...]
This Average Family
This piece originally ran on the Dishwasher, August 5, 2012, under the title, A Day in the Life. It has been slightly edited.Thank you for allowing me to revisit it today. I’m the mother of three amazing children. I married my best friend, and we live in the suburban neighborhood I grew up in. I even drive a minivan. On paper, we sound like a very ordinary family. Even … [Read more...]
