Many of us are grateful that COVID regulations, mandates, and lockdowns have largely been eliminated or lessened. In the past two difficult years, it was easy to slip into harsh judgementalism towards those who had different ways of navigating this strange pandemic. Even local churches have had to fight against the temptation to judgemental divisiveness over one’s vaccine … [Read more...] about Saying no to judgemental divisiveness
Family
Strengthening the bonds of family, those we were born with, those we are married to and those beyond who create a safe place for us to trust and grow.
Friends for life – Dementia part 3
Rebecca’s mom has dementia. She lives at home with her husband, her primary caregiver. When a family friend asked Rebecca* if her mom would like to go with her on an outing, perhaps for ice cream or a picnic, Rebecca wasn’t sure how her mom would respond. But when Rebecca suggested the idea, her mom’s face lit up. She said, “I would LOVE to do that!” When Rebecca told me the … [Read more...] about Friends for life – Dementia part 3
How’s your mom doing?
When someone asks, “How’s your mom doing?” I usually stumble through a reply. Sometimes I shrug and say, “She’s about the same.” Yet that’s not exactly true. My mom is slowly, gradually declining. My mom has dementia. Yet even though the question is hard to answer, I’m grateful when people ask. I need to know that Mom still matters to my friends, as she matters to me, and as … [Read more...] about How’s your mom doing?
Indigenous Voice: There are two sides to every story
One thing I’ve learned in life is that when you’re listening to someone tell a story of some injustice, or hardship, there are always two sides to every story. As I was growing up, my adopted family treated me like one of their own, I always felt accepted and loved as I was growing up. Every once in a while, somebody would look at me different, or treat me different when they’d … [Read more...] about Indigenous Voice: There are two sides to every story
A mother’s love that never gives up
As Pokay Say looked into the face of her newborn baby, she was filled with joy. Ayla would be her 13th child. Pokay was 45 years old when she conceived, and the doctor was concerned there might be complications. Pokay was advised that the pregnancy should be terminated. But she vowed that she would have this child and raise it no matter what. Now looking into her baby’s … [Read more...] about A mother’s love that never gives up