A Communist Christmas

As I watched my daughter’s tiny face inspect the mysterious box, I was overcome with the memories of Christmases past. How could an intangible recollection hold such a physical presence, wrapping me in a warm glow while simultaneously strangling me in an icy dread, especially on Christmas morning? Christmas morning. It wasn’t like any Christmas… Read More A Communist Christmas

In God We Trust

I may as well have been standing before them stripped naked. That’s how exposed I felt. The soldiers had announced their arrival with a loud pounding on the front door of our home. A few days prior, my husband and I had begun the official paperwork requesting permission to leave the only country we had… Read More In God We Trust

Learning To Dance With The Limp

Little by little we let go of loss but never of love. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp. https://twitter.com/LittleMizWordy/status/1227308150518403072 Loss can bring us to our knees in a moment’s time or slowly simmer within… Read More Learning To Dance With The Limp

Soul Finding Journey

My people have made this long journey numerous times, spanning many generations. This year, the invigorated group consists of approximately forty to fifty teenagers, ranging in ages thirteen to sixteen. The pilgrimage is led by Abuela Edna, a sixty-five year old stout woman who is as strong as she looks. She’s not everyone’s grandmother, but… Read More Soul Finding Journey

Imagine A World…

“We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, and filthy rich or dirt poor. And to those who are crying newborns, skinny as a rail, or who could afford to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you can sing like Barbara Streisand or like our priest, who can’t… Read More Imagine A World…

What Will Your Family Story Be?

He wasn’t a big fan of his birthday, but he sure enjoyed celebrating life. He was the first to turn on some music, call friends and family to join him, and cook something up to share with all his loved ones. I’ve never met someone who enjoyed having a house full of friends and family… Read More What Will Your Family Story Be?

It’s Seasonal

I waited for his response, filled with hope that the words he directed at me would be the ones I wanted to hear. “It’s seasonal.” His polite tone didn’t soften the blow. Disappointment consumed me. I never imagined a Costco employee could stir up such emotion in me, but that is exactly what he did when… Read More It’s Seasonal