Posts Tagged ‘life’

23
Feb
2017

Broken heels

categories: General

stuck stilettoThe feeling of a broken heel is a distinct one. It’s more familiar to gals walking on city sidewalks, getting their shoes stuck in vents, on electric escalators or on public transit. But sometimes heels break because of a worn-out shoe or poor manufacturing or simply because we abuse them by running or jumping.

But the feeling! Sometimes it’s shame or embarrassment. Especially if you’re all dressed-up at an event. Now, if happening during the day it could be freeing as then you have the perfect reason to buy a new pair, or you may be able to repair them. However, the best scenario is when a friend saves you from embarrassment by doing one of two things: taking her shoes off and going barefoot so that you’re not alone, or lends you a pair of her shoes so that you can carry on.

That last possible scenario is a good illustration of empathy; a word I have learned a lot about in this last decade. (more…)

  • Comments Off on Broken heels
12
Jan
2017

The grey pair

categories: General
My friend Charlene and I caught up after two years. It was what I needed that night!

My friend Charlene and I caught up after two years. It was what I needed that night!

I finally wore my new winter boots! Recently, I went for an evening walk on the local trails. I clamped on my snowshoes over the grey boots, and set- off with my friend who I hadn’t seen in over two years. The night was mild; snow was packed and easy under our feet. The fresh air felt like a blood transfusion. With every step, I felt with a greater sense of peace and energy.

It has been a year since I had to slip- on the grief shoes.
(more…)

  • Comments Off on The grey pair
20
Aug
2016

Fierce lady

categories: General

During a recent flight from Miami to Guatemala City, a lady came down the aisle toward where I was seated. As she’d approached what seemed to be her seat, beside mine, she kindly asked  a young man to place her carry-on on in the bin. She then asked me to let her into the window seat. As more people boarded the plane it became evident that my fellow passenger had actually sat in the wrong seat, but the other passenger did not make a fuss, and took a seat instead at the back of the plane.
We took off and the woman asked me what was taking me to Guatemala. I proceeded to tell her my story – I was a temporary missionary headed to Villa Hortencia II. I shared with her about our partnership with Food for the Hungry. She thanked me. When I asked how her trip to the United States was, her eyes became glassy. She said, “it was good, I finally got to see my children and met my grandchildren.” (more…)

  • Comments Off on Fierce lady
12
Jan
2016

Doing love defeats grief.

categories: General

Today is Sunday, my favorite day of the week. It does not matter if it is sunny, snowy or rainy. There is something about Sunday that is relaxing and puts my mind at ease.
It is cloudy, milder than usual for January. I would be in bed reading under the covers if it were not for the duty of looking after three kids and a playdate friend. So, I sit here writing this, pretending I am watching them, because I am finally starting what has been a dream for years. (more…)