A feel-good interlude to your day with thoughtful stories that are occasionally surprising and often inspiring.
The blended aroma of fresh coffee and out-of-the-oven croissants greeted me as I entered my friend’s country kitchen. Jane grabbed her grandmother’s rose patterned fruit bowl off the counter. I picked up the coffee pot and together we headed toward the sunny breakfast nook with its bistro table set for two. “I must tell you... Continue Reading →
I hear the rain clattering on the skylight and even though it’s only teatime, I turn on the lights. The whistling kettle on the stove beckons me to the kitchen where I finish making myself a hot mug of super rich chocolately cocoa. It feels like the appropriate thing to do, particularly as I’m about... Continue Reading →
I love the Christmas season. Despite the flurry of activity, the chaos of deadlines, I can still feel the hopeful, loving spirit that accompanies the Yuletide holiday. And for one month we connect as human beings with a collective heartbeat and become more giving – giving gifts of time, love and compassion. Years ago, I... Continue Reading →
This week’s (April 13 2016) Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction challenge is hosted by fellow Rough Writer Lisa Reiter at Sharing the Story. Lisa’s prompt, in 99 words (no more, no less) was to write about offering to help someone. I find that for the most part, kindness begets gratitude, a letter tells a story, and... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness is complex and this post from the heart revealed a thoughtful nugget about compassion and forgiveness. I hope you enjoy it.
Four days after my son was attacked and left in a coma in a hospital over a hundred miles away, we had a major water leak. It was our second trip home to bathe, change and comfort the rest of the family, and the leak was the last thing we needed. I had all but screamed down the phone to get help, desperate to get away, back on the road south. By the time there was a knock on the door, I was wound as tight as a spring.
The plumber was huge, a veritable giant of a man… a Rastafarian, who seemed to fill the entire doorway. He came in and set to work lifting floorboards. It would not be a quick job. I sat at the computer, trying to update everyone who was seeking news…and there were many. Messages, prayers and kindness were pouring in from all over…
View original post 478 more words
Forgiveness Nothing is as painful, As unforgiveness to the soul; A heart that’s torn asunder, With forgiveness becomes whole. A single kind word spoken Means more than countless words; The true words, “I forgive you,” Are all that need be heard. To a soul that has been wounded, Like a healing, cooling balm; Forgiveness soothes... Continue Reading →
“Do I have to have the cardioversion today? I mean, my INR was even lower than yesterday,” Jean asks the doctor, clearly very worried. This was our second trip to emergency in just as many days. Her racing heart rate and atrial fibrillation was a concern for everyone. “I spoke to Dr. Mason and he’s prepared to... Continue Reading →
I was standing on the balcony of my boyfriend’s apartment, my mind totally shrouded with dark thoughts, oblivious to the twinkling city lights before me. I was distressed. That afternoon, the executives had announced a huge scope and location change for the project I was contracted to complete. How could they? That’s not what I... Continue Reading →
“I have your back, Grandma” “Yes, you have tact. Always have - ever since you were a little boy.” “Grandma, listen, I’ll take care of you.” “You? What can you do? Oh, goodness, no Jason. I’m fine and can manage quite nicely. Did I tell you I went strawberry picking last weekend?” “Yes you did,... Continue Reading →
