I remember giving advice to my eldest brother, Roger, on his parenting style. He laughed at me and remarked, “Wait until you have your own children.” Then I had my own children. My other brother, Dan, tried to give me … Continue reading
The Sacrament of Confirmation When I was 10 years old, I attended a retreat with my class to my teacher’s home on the lake. I remember the steep driveway, the open-concept house with a railing overlooking the living area. It … Continue reading
The amazing feeling of once being lost but then being found My kids were aged three and five. It was a beautiful summer day and they were playing together on the backyard swing set. I sat on the back deck, … Continue reading
My change of heart after my family attended a church-sponsored event We sat elbow-to-elbow along a slim folding table. I counted 8 noodles in my soup. My stomach rumbled as we left the church hall. The next evening at … Continue reading
Following my father through the Christian story He stood, head tilted up, looking at the figure of Jesus condemned to death. His lips moved but I heard no sound. He closed his eyes. I closed mine. He stirred beside … Continue reading
Winter break. School is out, snow is falling, Christmas is coming. Yet my young heart is lonely. Surrounded by family A dark shadow never leaves. Restful sleep eludes me. I am bored. I am teary. I step on my bed … Continue reading
Things of speed in East City Peterborough Sledding through powder down Armour Hill. Skating after a puck on the Lift Lock canal. Spinning on the merry-go-round at James Stevenson Park. Chasing after the Dickie-Dee ice-cream cart. Jumping off the … Continue reading
I had once thought it pretty I had my own rosary. A string of prayer beads with a simple cross. I thought it pretty. Something to wear to a special event maybe. A treasure to bring comfort and peace. But … Continue reading
Playing in East City, Peterborough 1970s style Winter Eating warmed honeybuns at East City Coffee Shop Getting the wind knocked out of me tobogganing on Armour’s Hill Spring Taking in a late-night baseball game at East City Bowl … Continue reading
Hurt people hurt people It’s not easy to admit you were a bully. But I was…once. It happened in grade school. I was in grade 6 and Lori was in grade 4. We lived in the same neighbourhood and went … Continue reading