O Holy Night

The Wednesday before Christmas, my daughter Jessica and I sat in a booth across from Grandma eating lunch in the Bistro at the assisted care facility where Mother lives. While Jess and I splurged on tuna melts, the dining room filled with residents and holiday...

Christmas Yin Yang

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Isaiah 9:6   Sunday Morning Mary, Joseph, the angel, wise men, shepherds,...

All Saints Sunday

Yesterday, All Saints Sunday, we walked into the crowded sanctuary at Bethany Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. The screen above the pulpit displayed a slideshow of names: church members from the past 200 years who had gone before us: infants, some with only...

Clothing Memories

In the 50s and 60s, my father dressed like Father Knows Best – baggy trousers and jacket with wide lapels, white shirt (always white), striped necktie, brown socks and indestructible brown leather shoes. He’d stand all six feet four inches with his left hand in his...

The day the Lord made

It was mid-afternoon at the UVA Medical Center when I checked in with the receptionist. She asked, “Name?” I answered and handed her my appointment confirmation. The phone rang, and she picked up saying, “Please hold,” then asked me, “Date of birth?” I replied, and...