We had a wonderful family birthday celebration for our three August birthdays. The weather was perfect so we sat on our patio and ate and talked and laughed and ate. The grandchildren got along with each other and the puppy. Our kids gave us very thoughtful gifts. So what could possibly be wrong? The trash…
Category: Relationships
The Race
Have you ever been called names, labelled something less than who you are, disparaged, dishonored, ridiculed, told what you need to do to be accepted, or advised to do or believe something you know is wrong? Every time disrespectful and wrong headed ideas are thrown at you you have a choice. You can let the…
You Are Welcome Here
An older lady (yep, even older than me), leaned close so we could hear each other above the background noise of many other conversations. “Hi, I’m A______. What’s your name?” After short niceties, she got down to business in a kind way by asking direct questions about me. I answered her questions honestly, but…
Room at the Table
Think of some happy childhood memories. Holidays, birthdays, vacations, playing outside, family meals, reading favorite books, visiting grandparents, going to a friend’s house. Some of these happy memories have something in common. Without this ingredient, the happy times wouldn’t have happened. Think of the memories that involve a group of people that included those who…
Serving
Thirteen years ago we were confronted with a staggering statistic. 85% of international students in American universities never see the inside of an American’s home. Whoa! Husband and I were shocked and saddened. Well, we can help with that! So we signed up with a campus organization to be friends with a foreign student who…
All Things Considered
Taking their story into consideration so we can be considerate. Did you ever stop to consider what some of your family and friends are up against? The next time I’m tempted to shake my head and walk away in anger or disgust, I will stop and consider that person’s story. I want to really see…