Not everyone born with a silver spoon in his mouth makes a successful transition from privileged child to responsible adult. Peter was one who didn’t. At age 42, he lived in a beach-side studio bungalow on Long Island Sound, conveniently located next to the busiest bar in town. Years before, having worn out the patienceContinue reading “Pickled Peter Picked a Pyre”
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Gifts for Living
In 2007, I had the privilege to study for a semester under Elie Wiesel. You likely know him not only because he is a Holocaust survivor and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize but because he is the author of over 35 books, among them Night, frequently required for reading in High School. The course,Continue reading “Gifts for Living”
Pickle Sunday
This weekend many churches, including the one I attend, did not gather for worship in an effort to lower the incidence curve of Covid-19 in our communities. Although some people view the national request to restrict personal liberty as more of an imposition than a necessity, I see it as a sacred duty to followContinue reading “Pickle Sunday”
Cora
The first time I heard Cora’s voice was over the phone. “Are you the pastor?” she asked. It was 1990, and I was female, so most people still phrased that question with more shock than a need for clarification in their voices. “Are you the pastor?” they’d say with disdain or disbelief. But not Cora;Continue reading “Cora”
Dear Elmer
Written in 2010 Dear Elmer, It’s Christmastime again. Last week when I was out to sea on USS New York, my husband Ken (you’d like him) brought down the boxes of decorations from the attic and before I got home, had hung your sleigh bells on the front door. I love how they jingle onContinue reading “Dear Elmer”
Posing for my Statue
Metairie Cemetery looks like a miniature McMansionville. Every street is lined with houses for the dead, many far nicer than those often occupied by the living. Most are constructed of marble with carved accents and accompanying statuary. A few have elaborate stained-glass windows, which I find puzzling, since stained- glass can only be appreciated fromContinue reading “Posing for my Statue”
To Adult or Not to Adult: That Shouldn’t Be A Question
Back in the Dark Ages (when I was growing up) the word “adult” was a noun. It described a person who had transitioned from a dependent status, in which someone else was ultimately responsible for them, to that of an independent entity, responsible for themselves. An adult was something you became–no going back. LatelyContinue reading “To Adult or Not to Adult: That Shouldn’t Be A Question”
Rope Walking
There is nothing more relaxing to a harried mind than time spent walking along a tightrope in the summer air. The two large trees on the front lawn of my parsonage provided an excellent spot to set up the rig, and the parishioners proved more than happy to explain their eccentric pastor to the neighbors.Continue reading “Rope Walking”
Later
The night had been too short, and now the flight attendant was coming around with a good morning wake up: hot coffee, a muffin, a mint and a wash-up in a foil wrapper. Sleepily, I broke a few pieces off the muffin and forced myself to eat them. Breakfast, at what was for me oneContinue reading “Later”
A Letter for the Generations
To my grandchildren, on the day you each turn fifteen and a half: It might seem funny to be receiving a letter from me at your half-birthday, but by now Grandpa has probably clued you in that it is best just to humor me if what I do seems unusual… That’s what he does… AndContinue reading “A Letter for the Generations”
