Wandering Children…Wondering Parents

I am a woman of privilege. And so when I woke early this morning at my son’s house, I went to the espresso machine and made myself an Americano. And when I decided that I needed decaf, I jumped in my car and went searching the Sunday morning streets until I found a Dutch Bros. […]

Thinking of Amy

The death of Amy Winehouse touched me.  The recent autopsy details don’t make it easier. It isn’t just sensational news. It’s a sorrow that blurs the edges of every day in a  family touched by addiction.  Each newsworthy person…from Charlie Sheen to Lindsay Lohan to the well-known physician in your home town is someone’s aunt, […]

Me Me Me Me Me Me Me

Each day I aspire to  some version of enlightenment.  When things fall apart  I’d like be a cross between my father and Pema Chodron… I’ll listen, I’ll pray, and calmly love and support; caring deeply but retaining enough detachment to serve a higher purpose. Yet some days I am astounded by my selfishness.  I am […]

Sending Love

Dear Granddaughter, You’ve relapsed. Did I miss something? Why didn’t I contact you more?  Did you realize that I love you? Did you know that I would do anything to support you?  Should I have written?  Should I have called more often?  Or texts…I could have…I should have…I would have… But this has nothing to […]

To Thine Own Self…

This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Hamlet Act 1, scene 3 Dear Granddaughter, I have been thinking so much about our conversation on Sunday.  Trust is truly the foundation of all relationships. Rebuilding the […]

Rehab for One and All

I haven’t read the books yet, but I sense my discomfort with letting go. My certainties that I can help, that I know at least some of the answers, and that everyone and everything depends on me, are each a hindrance in our new situation.  We are breaking ground in new territory and it’s going […]

Alcohol: Love It, Hate It.

Alcohol is plays a major role in my thoughts of entertaining. My vision of the perfect dinner party is at an outdoor setting:  the view is of vineyards rolling over the hills; the table nestles beneath an arbor, which catches cool breezes and the scent of flowers.  The company is convivial.  Wine glasses are raised […]