The Power of a Simple Introduction
My uncle, my husband, and I continue to wait in the small doctor’s office on a Thursday afternoon. We are here for my uncle’s follow-up appointment with his general practitioner.…
Read moreDon’t Jump to Conclusions – Jump to Grace
Edward stood in the long line outside, waiting with the others to sign up for gifts for his kids. He was young, maybe 25. Black hair, brown skin, dark eyes.…
Read moreEven After You Stop Looking, Joy Can Still Find You
A Tough Day at the Hospital We were leaving the hospital after a long, exhausting day. My uncle had had a medical emergency earlier that morning, and I’d spent the…
Read moreWhen Compassion for Others Takes a Sharp Turn: A Lesson in Vulnerability
A Day of Compassion Begins I sit in a row of folding chairs in a neighborhood church gym, which today has been transformed into a blood donation center. My eyes…
Read moreFrom Bandaids to Water Bottles, Be Curious About the Power of Empathy
“The only way to survive is by taking care of one another.” – Grace Lee Boggs #1 – A Bandaid The contemplative writing session at the Wild Goose Festival had…
Read moreThe Unexpected Impact of a Short Friendship
It’s Thursday morning, one day after V died. My phone dings. I see it’s Michael. I wonder what he’s going to say. He wasn’t the one who told me about…
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