A line in the beloved Christmas movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life' has always stayed with me. Explaining the role which the main character George played during World War II, the narrator explains “Marty fought in France. Bert helped take the Remagen Bridge. But George? George was 4-F, so he stayed home and fought the ‘Battle of Bedford … Continue reading The Battle of Bedford Falls

Personal/Health update: I've now officially completed chemo, at least for now! Though I'd like to report that I'm already feeling markedly better, recovery is apparently every bit as slow as they say... 3-6 months for the body to clear out the chemicals. In January, I'll get some scans to find out if the chemo "missed" … Continue reading Marie Kondo – She’s Not Just for Our Condo

I'm about to embark on my final lap of chemotherapy tomorrow! With three rounds behind me, I’m eager to finish. Each round has been a bit harder than the last, as I’ve had to let go of various freedoms… the freedom to be in the sun, to take walks and hikes, to mentally concentrate, to … Continue reading Constructive Guilt – from Calcutta to the California Coast

I'm finishing my recuperation week and starting Round Three of chemotherapy tomorrow, so I’m halfway done with treatment! I'm not nauseous or foggy-brained currently, so this is a good time for reflection. I'm especially on the hunt for thoughts and feelings that no longer serve me well, and emotions which may have fostered or festered … Continue reading Hooray for Guilt!

[I refer to this episode and its meaning in a fresh post coming shortly. Excerpted from: Reflections from Afar: Unexpected Blessings for Those Who 'Have' from Those Who Don't, 2010] So there I was, pinned down by a schoolmate, his fist ready to pound my face. I was totally clueless as to why he wanted … Continue reading Money Memories & Fears

[NOTE: Today is my last full day of my "recovery week" between Round One and Two of chemotherapy. My mind is clear, I have no nausea... it seems like a pretty good time to write!] Sitting in church this past Sunday, Rev. Karen preached mainly from the gospel reading for the day, Luke 13:10-17... Now Jesus … Continue reading Justice with a Capital “J”

[Note: I wrote this piece yesterday (Thursday) evening but didn't get it sent out. A pre-dawn trip to the hospital ER today changed my schedule, but also added a gut-check to the theme. More below...] One of my delights each quarter is reading each entry in the Frederick Buechner Narrative Writing Contest in The Christian … Continue reading Keep Me Safe

I just read one of those stories that can make you rejoice or make you depressed. It's a story of hope, with a happy ending. But like the beautiful rose that grows up through a pile of stinking garbage, I make a choice as to what I give my attention to... to the loveliness or … Continue reading Smelling the Rose, Bypassing the Pain

I’ve been overwhelmed by the loving concern of many people in my life, and I reflect on this below. But first, I owe a few updates… It will come as little surprise that I put on my big boy pants and postponed our trip to Paris, in order to start chemo treatment in a timely … Continue reading In Praise of Foul-Weather Friends

I called my pastor today to complain. She came to our home yesterday to check on me, serve us communion, anoint me with oil and pray for me. I had also wanted to talk to her about something I'm trying to discern. As someone who shares our general age bracket, Karen had some sound counsel. But … Continue reading Complaining to my Pastor (and maybe to God)