Giving Thanks

I’ve always felt uncomfortable with the displays that are erected at the scenes of fatal car accidents. I’m sure you’ve seen them. Along the side of the highway. There might be a cross with flowers, notes, and other tokens of love. I don’t really get it. Why memorialize this one horrific moment that robbed you of a loved one? Do you really intend to revisit this place that represents the worst pain and suffering this person ever knew? It appears that people do. Those flowers look fresh. Those stuffed animals, brand new. I’ve always thought, Those poor stuck survivors! This is no way to mourn your loved one! The saddest moment revisited over and over. Who would do that to herself?

Love One Another

A letter to my community, near and far, as we approach Election Day 2016:

Maybe I’m super sensitive but I just can’t stand the ugliness that this election has brought out. It’s not just in the candidates; it’s in us as well. In any political discussion, whether it’s at a block party or a kids sporting event, around the water cooler at the office or even around the dinner table (eek!), there’s an overwhelming sense of Us v. Them, Those Who are Right v. Those Who are Wrong. We are really unforgiving of opposing opinions (and that might be the understatement of the year!). When we find ourselves in the exclusive company of those in “our camp” we get all gloaty and hurl insults about those people who are ruining     this          country!