Tea and cookies

March 7, 2012January 6, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 12 Comments

I watched her as I made my way down the hallway. I was familiar with her, even knew her name, something that I couldn’t say about most of my other neighbors. Mrs. Clancy, the apartment complex’s ubiquitous octogenarian, was struggling with her foldable shopping cart. She was stuck in her doorway and the harder she … Continue reading Tea and cookies

We hardly recognized her

January 16, 2012January 6, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 14 Comments

During the first few months, we took turns sitting vigil. She was never left alone. If one of us weren’t with her, talking to her, reading from a beloved book, or playing a favorite song, doctors and interns were there poking and prodding. There were hushed discussion regarding brain activity and vital body functions. Whispering … Continue reading We hardly recognized her

Honeysuckle tears

January 12, 2012January 5, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 16 Comments

Outside on the lanai, under rented white canopies, mason jars filled with sun-brewed sweet tea sit untouched on the table. Tears of condensation roll down the glass, leaving wet circles on the old linen cloth. Gran's tatted lace doilies, yellow and wilted with age, hang forlornly from the backs of the chairs. The stifling gloom … Continue reading Honeysuckle tears

Downsize me: do you want carrot sticks with that?

February 15, 2011January 9, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 27 Comments

In her role as First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has taken on eliminating childhood obesity as her mission. She is campaigning for healthier school lunches, enlisting the cooperation of parents and school districts. I like many of her initiatives, they make sense. Both of my children attended public schools, so I know … Continue reading Downsize me: do you want carrot sticks with that?