Hidden Messages

“I’m not as smart as you.  I’d probably be okay if I was smarter.” “That’s not true, June.  You are very smart.” “Do you really think so?” My sister and I are doing dishes after supper.  June suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. “You got 96% in your nursing program,” I remind her.  “Intelligence is not your […]

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Simplicity: A Noble Quest

Originally posted on One Woman's Quest:
At thirty-one, I had to learn to change my approach to life, because the old way wasn’t working. The old way put me at the center of the family (even though I was fifth born), listening to and attempting to resolve every family issue:   Do you think your…

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My Husband Says: Shoot The Bird!

“You’re abandoning me for the summer?  Is that what you’re telling me?” I reel at my mother’s response when I tell her we have parked the motor home at the lake for the summer season.  This is the place she always goes to:  how it affects her and I feel the talons of guilt closing […]

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Love As a Four-Letter Word

My aunt gave up her daughter for a chance at love. Can’t remember which marriage it was – there were seven in all – but he didn’t want children, so she just asked around if someone would take M, then sixteen. A few relatives tried, but my cousin, the depths of whose rejection is unfathomable, strayed […]

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