Three granddaughters so far. Being their "Nan" is nothing short of amazing - a high privilege, a cherished role, utter joy. Hazel, the oldest, is curious, kind, and watchful. A helper already. She understands so much these days and has a charming lilt in her voice when she asks, "Why?" She has a confident, gentle... Continue Reading →
Hope: On Ringing the Bell
In the elevator lobby on the fifth floor of Duke University Hospital, someone has painted a bird and part of a poem on the windows. The poem is Emily Dickinson's.“Hope” is the thing with feathers -That perches in the soul -And sings the tune without the words -And never stops - at all In the... Continue Reading →
This Is The Life!
Can you remember the first time you heard (or said) this phrase? I remember a much younger me imitating a scene from a movie - flopping on a poolside chaise lounge in a beautiful backyard, enjoying a fun celebration with loved ones. "Ahhhh. This is the LIFE!" Lately, I've been repeating the phrase with a... Continue Reading →
Pandemic Lessons
Now that my vaccination card has both doses recorded, and guidelines suggest it is safer to resume more and more "normal" living, I am enjoying getting re-acquainted with the feelings of freedom once (unknowingly) taken for granted. I believe I'll be mindful of and treasuring these freedoms for the rest of my days. Things like:... Continue Reading →
Aversion.
(A possible exception to my "no rant" policy.) I have an aversion to bad apples. Life is too short to waste time on a mealy, pithy apple. And even though I hate wasting food, I will not hesitate to chuck a bad apple into the trashcan or out the car window after enough bites to... Continue Reading →
New Gratitude – Easter, 2020
I've been thinking about The Grinch a lot lately. How he tried to steal Christmas, but couldn't. Seems like there's been a new "Grinch" in town, taking a lot of what we had, (or thought we had). As a civilization, we've lost much. People have lost their lives, or a loved one to COVID-19. To... Continue Reading →
Sometimes, I suck.
"Sometimes, I suck." This is one of my favorite funny things our son, Nick, said when he was little. A few days earlier, our family had been chatting about candy. Rob prides himself on being disciplined enough to NOT crunch lollipops and other hard candies. He keeps a Jolly Rancher in his mouth long enough... Continue Reading →
Seasons
God’s creation delights me. I am thankful for all five senses, but sight is the one I would have the hardest time losing. My kids grew up hearing me exclaim, “Oh, wow! Look at that sunset! Look at those clouds…kids, are you appreciating the clouds?” (I’m proud to say they are now appreciators, in their... Continue Reading →
Deep
When he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4 I love it when our home is full of family and friends, and I so enjoy the sounds of laughter and conversation that come with a crowd. When I'm home... Continue Reading →
Kim Perry Writes 