It is easy to think we are one way until something happens, and we see ourselves in a clear and new light. During a cold February, I went on a Caribbean cruise with my adult son, Andrew. He was leaving one job and had a short break before the new job began. I was on a month-long sabbatical. While he was hoping to include other family members, it was a case that those who had…
2 CommentsCategory: Family
Back when my oldest kids were navigating the world of middle school, physical fitness was essential to our education. Soccer matches were a regular affair, and my husband, Gary, often led hikes and runs for those old enough. Meanwhile, I played a role in organizing the annual President’s Physical Fitness test. While some of my children excelled in this physically active environment, others faced challenges. Our family, like any other, showcased diverse builds. One of…
3 CommentsAn essay to the evergreen. Many of you know I purchased my childhood home from my parents in 2003. The most comforting aspect about moving back into my growing-up home doesn’t all reside inside. I was five years old when my parents moved into the house at Ferry Farms. On one side of our property were three huge Magnolias. I don’t remember how two of them were lost, but one still stands in the intervening…
3 CommentsMy friend was nearing the end of teaching her session at one of our online events, and I followed her in the lineup. Our habit during these sessions was to provide an introduction of the follow-up speaker to connect to our audience. I felt the undertow of realizing this was one of my last events and diverted my attention to the other aspects of keeping the different parts of the event running. As is very…
Leave a CommentI am trying to remember how I developed an interest in letter writing other than the halting start of the obligatory thank you note for Christmas gifts to far away relatives. Even then, I remember joyfully caring about either making the card or selecting one that fit the occasion and the recipient. I have lovely memories of receiving letters. My mom wrote me during Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy. Even though I was just…
Leave a CommentMy role in the Institute for Cultural Communicators involves training adults and students to be ready to speak. The most compelling reason to be ready to speak is often a deadline. The deadline for our volunteers is usually a training event we are running. So recently, a few of the adult leaders I work with have asked, “Mary, do you think I need a story?” -which translates to – Will I be asked to speak? My…
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