In the vastness of the universe, I believe that two emotions are at play: Love and fear. In my life, I have experienced the magnitude of both, the vastness, the depths, the highs, the isolation, the comradery. There was a time when I knew that love existed, but I did not believe in it. That…
Month: August 2014
TELL ME ONE MORE TIME
When Ondy, my dad’s younger brother, tells a story everyone listens. Not only can he command your attention and make you laugh, but his stories are usually a reply to something you said or a perception he has about your life. He communicates through stories and dispenses advice and observation in this manner. As a…
MY FIRST BEER WITH THE COACH
Right around the time this picture was taken I had my first beer. I know what you are thinking. It’s one of my favorite reactions to get out of people, and it will never get old, ever. I was all of 2 ½ years old (30 months, 913 days). The picture is also…
BLACK & WHITE NUMBERS
(If you click on the graph then it will enlarge and is easier to read) When I saw these numbers my heart sank, tears welled in my eyes, and I felt sick. I wanted to go home and barricade myself from their significance. I wished I hadn’t looked because they only confirmed what I already…
THE GREATEST GIFT MY MOTHER EVER GAVE ME
The greatest gift my mother ever gave me was to comfort me while I openly grieved her death. As I write this, it sounds so horribly morbid. You must understand this is what a young girl does after her family unit has been turned upside down. My father dying was tragic, but my brothers’ moving…
I FELL IN LOVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
As my plane took off for Southern California a single tear rolled down my cheek. My former life was becoming a memory, and I had to honor who I had once been. Some days I miss her fire and passion as I live in a constant state of restlessness. Recently my fickle ways have returned….
MY RIVER TREASURES
Being a little sister is perhaps one of the greatest pleasures I have ever known. My very best childhood memories are with Big Nate and No 2 (because I respect what No 2 does for a living, and I love him dearly, I will in NO way try and sabotage his professional life with trivial…
THE REBIRTH OF GRIEF
In June of 1992, my life changed forever. My previous date of a life altering event was when my father passed away in February of 1980. At the age of 15, between my sophomore and junior year of high school, I attended a summer camp called Anytown, USA. Anytown, USA was sponsored by the National…
THE INNOVATION DILEMMA
Webster defines “innovation” as a new idea, device, or method. I am back for my thirteenth year in education and my third as a Special Education teacher in an elementary setting. Our administration has asked us to spear head an “innovation challenge” where we are to look towards new ways of improving student learning….
AN OPEN LETTER OF THANK YOU TO AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
Dear Soldier, My reverence for you is akin to messages of salvation received in small town church services. Your bravery is overwhelming. Your sacrifice is appreciated. Words can be empty; however, mine are not. It is rare that when I see you I don’t tell you a simple “thank you.” When you think your country…
THE ENDURING MEMORY OF A COWBOY
Experiences are the foundation of life. Even though I have been a native Texan for most of my life, it wasn’t until I moved to rural New Mexico that I cultivated a deep love, respect, and admiration for cowboys. My life has always been on the periphery of cowboys and ranchers, but until I moved…
THE INVITATION
Unexpected, desired invitations are one of the great joys of my life. They come rarely which makes them even sweeter when they arrive. Over the past two days my emotions have run very high because of such an invitation. A reestablished connection between my niece and me has me in a deep place of quiet…
arlisann 