Many times over the last nearly fifteen years, Tywana or I have uttered that phrase. “Zoe is the best dog ever.” Zoe was a 60-pound retriever mix. God only knows her true genetic background. She looks most like a flat-coated retriever. We got Zoe in February 2005, only a few weeks after our fur-baby Chloe […]
Category: Milestones (Shayna Elayne)
Day 1461- (Not) Just Another Day
Thanks to everyone who thought of me today and reached out. It’s gratifying to know how many remember. Today is Monday, June 24th, the fourth anniversary of Shayna’s passing. As I head out for my walk this morning, it’s a day very similar to that day four years ago when I did the same thing. […]
Day 1417- Happy Mother’s Day
Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate the woman who brought you into the world. Or, if you are fortunate enough to be a mother, a day to celebrate you. But, for millions of mothers, Mother’s Day is more bitter than bittersweet. For mothers whose children have preceded them in death, Mother’s Day can […]
Day 1410- Kayla’s Graduation
Five years ago almost to the day, Kayla graduated from high school. I was heartbroken. My baby would be leaving the nest for the first time, moving three hours away and calling the University of Toledo her home for the next four years. For 17-1/2 years, she had been under my roof, my first born, […]
Day 1390- Pumped
I’m going to pat myself on the back here. Not even two months ago a friend suggested I take a life coaching course. I had never spoken to her about life coaching. I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. I took this as a sign of something I should do. Within a couple of weeks, three […]
Day 1383- Spring Has Sprung
It’s April 7th and spring has finally arrived in Ohio. Tywana’s out of the country on a cruise. So, I have a lot of solitude this weekend. This morning I’m up early out for my walk because I have a full agenda. The temperatures in the morning are above 50º, warm enough for me to […]
Day 1374- The Voice
Imposter syndrome (also known as imposter phenomenon, impostorism, fraud syndrome or the imposter experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”. I’ve dealt with the imposter syndrome my entire life. It was only in the last twenty years or so that I learned there was a […]
Day 1367- Einstein Was Wrong
One should not pursue goals that are easily achieved. One must develop an instinct for what one can barely achieve through one’s greatest efforts. I’m sorry, Albert. Brilliance in one area doesn’t equate to brilliance in all areas of life. Setting only lofty, long term goals without a step-by-step plan to get there is […]
Day 1355- 4th Annual Shayna’s Shining Stars Walk
The official race title is the Shamrock Shuffle. But, for my family, it’s the day we get together to memorialize Shayna. For us, it’s Shayna’s Shining Stars Walk. During the gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. we all think about Shayna. Some of us talk about her. Some of us avoid talking about her. This day […]
Day 1337- Do Not Despise These Small Beginnings
I have a tendency to minimize the good things and emphasize the bad. Losses I remember. Victories, I take in stride. I am turning that around. It’s mid-February, we are already a month and a half in. I am acknowledging several beginnings this year. Tywana’s got a new job. Kayla will be graduating in a […]
