During my first Christmas season as a single mother, in 1994, I frequently visited an antique shop in Chardon, Ohio during my rounds as a reporter for The Plain Dealer.
Only you could write this as beautifully as you did, Connie. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for reminding us all well (well, me, anyway), to always lead with intention - and of course, love.
I love these words. Merry Christmas to you and Sherrod. The year 2025 has been a difficult year for many of us for various reasons, but as we prepare for the new year may our memories of what was and what can be linger long. So nice to read your thoughts once again!
Responding to the grieving of my two adult grandchildren after the recent death of one of their beloved grandfathers - I found myself reminding them that they could also "celebrate" the nearly 3 decades they had with this grandfather - in contrast to the one year their father had w/my father - leading to the discovery that my adult son had saved the one photograph I had taken of his only birthday with his only grandpa (the other died before he was born) - learning he had not only kept this photo nearly six decades - but had also kept the sturdy wooden gas station with its colorful wooden cars - a memorial to the love he felt that day. However small this appeared to be in his own life - nothing could dim the power of the love they represented.
We shall overcome. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
The Supreme Court can be reversed or otherwise worked around, and we will do so. Our neighborhood here in Lancaster, Ohio is a sea of Confederate flags, but it's a timid neighborhood, and nobody has dared to actually confront us. I'm fairly certain that our Catholic diocese is politically divided, but our no-nonsense bishop has suggested that the vulnerable can and should stay home from church to avoid ICE. (I'm Jewish but my Natalie was a Franciscan sister for years and remains ferocious.)
You made me cry with this piece. On this day of Christmas I can’t understand how this administration can live with itself. How can we allow this to happen, people uprooted, children unprotected, lives turned upside down? Where are our leaders? So go for it Connie!!!!! Someone has to sound the clarion call!!!!! I’m with you!
What a gorgeous story, Connie. You remind me, always, of how the small moments of daily gratitude can keep us moving when we just want to sit down and weep. It’s not that “other people need you, so shake it off,” which I think was my mother’s self-motivation. You motivate me to notice and celebrate the small joys of existing in the moment.
And I love the photo series. That, too, is so you!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories! I love the story of the Intention Box and loved seeing the progressive tries your little daughter made to pull herself up! Merry Christmas to you and your family from clear across the country on the west coast. We woke up to sunshine today, and BIRDS hopping on the trees that I see from my balcony. We will overcome! I have faith that we will be victorious in 2026 and gain back everything we have lost! My intention:
So happy you are back with us all once again, Connie. May we all hold dear the children who are needlessly suffering today because of intentional cruelty brought about by an evil empire. We can and must do better. . . Enough. ❤️
Only you could write this as beautifully as you did, Connie. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for reminding us all well (well, me, anyway), to always lead with intention - and of course, love.
Beautifully said as always. Who knows where any of us are on their totem pole.
I come away from all your pieces calm. Glad you’re back xx
“May the season land gently” ❤️✌🏻
I love these words. Merry Christmas to you and Sherrod. The year 2025 has been a difficult year for many of us for various reasons, but as we prepare for the new year may our memories of what was and what can be linger long. So nice to read your thoughts once again!
Write away, Connie. We'll go with you on your meandering. BTW, such an adorable capture of Cait and her victory!
Responding to the grieving of my two adult grandchildren after the recent death of one of their beloved grandfathers - I found myself reminding them that they could also "celebrate" the nearly 3 decades they had with this grandfather - in contrast to the one year their father had w/my father - leading to the discovery that my adult son had saved the one photograph I had taken of his only birthday with his only grandpa (the other died before he was born) - learning he had not only kept this photo nearly six decades - but had also kept the sturdy wooden gas station with its colorful wooden cars - a memorial to the love he felt that day. However small this appeared to be in his own life - nothing could dim the power of the love they represented.
I have missed your essays. I'm thrilled I found it because it got slotted in the junk folder. That it is not.
We shall overcome. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
The Supreme Court can be reversed or otherwise worked around, and we will do so. Our neighborhood here in Lancaster, Ohio is a sea of Confederate flags, but it's a timid neighborhood, and nobody has dared to actually confront us. I'm fairly certain that our Catholic diocese is politically divided, but our no-nonsense bishop has suggested that the vulnerable can and should stay home from church to avoid ICE. (I'm Jewish but my Natalie was a Franciscan sister for years and remains ferocious.)
You made me cry with this piece. On this day of Christmas I can’t understand how this administration can live with itself. How can we allow this to happen, people uprooted, children unprotected, lives turned upside down? Where are our leaders? So go for it Connie!!!!! Someone has to sound the clarion call!!!!! I’m with you!
What a gorgeous story, Connie. You remind me, always, of how the small moments of daily gratitude can keep us moving when we just want to sit down and weep. It’s not that “other people need you, so shake it off,” which I think was my mother’s self-motivation. You motivate me to notice and celebrate the small joys of existing in the moment.
And I love the photo series. That, too, is so you!
❤️
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories! I love the story of the Intention Box and loved seeing the progressive tries your little daughter made to pull herself up! Merry Christmas to you and your family from clear across the country on the west coast. We woke up to sunshine today, and BIRDS hopping on the trees that I see from my balcony. We will overcome! I have faith that we will be victorious in 2026 and gain back everything we have lost! My intention:
KEEP THE FAITH--ALWAYS!
Thank you.
welcomer back. i cried. you write however you want-lots of us are feeling that way. you give such a groovy voice to my feelings. peace friend
So happy you are back with us all once again, Connie. May we all hold dear the children who are needlessly suffering today because of intentional cruelty brought about by an evil empire. We can and must do better. . . Enough. ❤️