Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, surgeon general cited loneliness as a public health concern with the publication of Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.
Continue reading “A Poetic Reflection on Loneliness”A Poetic Reflection on Loneliness
On Making Pepper Jelly
The grief of losing a child is unfathomable. Lila wrote a poem March of 1997, six months after losing my older brother, her first-born, to the ravages of his alcoholism September 24, 1996.
Continue reading “On Making Pepper Jelly”Who Needs Anger?
Lila wrote these two related gems over a decade ago. Still fresh. Still profound.
Note: The featured photo is a painting by Francisco Goya (1746–1828) titled, “The Third of May 1808”. Though over 200 years old, the work of Goya is relevant today.
Continue reading “Who Needs Anger?”Breaking His Heart at the Used Book Sale
Lila wrote this thought-provoking poem on the back of an envelope in 1984.
Continue reading “Breaking His Heart at the Used Book Sale”Lila’s April Poetry
Lila gives us two poems written in different decades that encourage us all.
Be Careful What You Wish For
As we start a new year, we sometimes make resolutions and wishes when we don’t have proper foresight.
“Be careful what you wish for,” is from the Aesop Fable, The Old Man and Death.
Lila wrote a 23 word poem at age 89 that addresses this thought.
Soup Carrying
Look Out For a Soup Carrier
Here’s a letter of advice written by Lila in the early 1990’s to my brother. She based her advice on the book East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
Just for a moment, pretend Lila is your mom. You will profit from this life-changing advice.
Relationship Advice
Lila wrote thirty-four word poem that gives us wise relationship advice. You will never look at a plastic shopping bag the same way again.
Love in the Time of Covid
“I don’t feel like reading anymore.” Those six words made me stop talking on the phone with Lila. Something was very wrong. Her back was hurting, her stomach was upset, and she was fatigued. Her appetite was gone.
Why I Pray and Vintage Cherry Squares
When you’re as old as Lila (age 91), you have wisdom. When Lila was in college in her 50’s, she asked her religion professor, Dr. David McKechnie Hay, for a list of the most important books he had ever read.