I remind myself on a daily basis to stop comparing. Stop comparing my symptoms to theirs. And, stop comparing my success (or lack thereof) to theirs. Stop comparing my life to theirs. It's time to stop comparing It started with my surgery in January. I shared that I had a laparoscopic procedure to see what… Continue reading Stop Comparing
Category: suffering
Making Visible
Often when we try to repair something, we do it in a way that makes the repair invisible. One might put a patch on the backside of a hole in the knees of jeans so that the spot isn’t as apparent. When repairing a tear in a couch or chair, it’s done in a way… Continue reading Making Visible
Two Years Later
I knew it was around the time — maybe a few days before. I couldn’t remember the exact date that I was standing in Joann’s and received the call from my doctor. I’ve been waiting for those early blog posts to pop up in my Facebook memories. It will still be a few more days.… Continue reading Two Years Later
When I Really Think About It…
This morning I was on the way to the dentist when I had to merge onto the interstate. In order to get to the on ramp though, I had to cross three lanes of traffic and then merge onto the interstate. As I was driving, it’s like I was watching all of this happen from… Continue reading When I Really Think About It…
Looking for Light
My heart felt heavy this morning. My heart felt broken open to all the pain that those around me are suffering. Her husband is dying and it may be time to stop treatment. Her step-sister died at a tragically young age. Her dog is dying and she doesn’t know how many snuggles and walks are… Continue reading Looking for Light
Letting Go
On Sunday I visited a new church (to me) to hear their new pastor preach. Her husband led our Camino trip and in his unbiased opinion he told me she is a really good preacher. I listened to her first sermon online and decided I needed to go hear her in person. She’s doing a… Continue reading Letting Go
Santiago de Compostela
We knew it was going to be a hot day -- close to 90 F near noon, so we tried to get an early start. However, I must have turned off my alarm in my sleep and we woke up a little late. We were still out of the door by 7 am. It didn't… Continue reading Santiago de Compostela
Making Our Way
It's so hot. We're all tired. Our bodies are revolting. We've had better days. My mom has a horrible cough and woke up really hot this morning, so she went to the doctor, got medicine and did not walk today. (She's feeling better!) I've got a cold or allergies, so my face is full of… Continue reading Making Our Way
Practicing
For much of my life I’ve heard others talk about the importance of being present – of being fully present in the now rather than reliving the past or worrying about the future. The concept made sense but last week I experienced this first hand in the most real way in my life so far.… Continue reading Practicing
Even so
This month 12 years ago I saw my friend Katy for the last time. She was in town for the holidays and doing some fundraising for the organization she worked for in Phoenix. During her time at home with lots of people vying for her time, we found a morning for the two of us… Continue reading Even so