Articles

She is kind, sweet, and sprinkles joy wherever she goes — “Pixie Dust” just fits her. The title “Mom” does too. If I had to guess, Pixie is probably at home writing an encouraging note to a friend, complimenting a resident she encounters in her retirement community hallway, or planning the next Prime Life Follies show. She started the Follies over ten years ago to bring joy to local retirement communities throughout the year as she tap dances her way into people's hearts with

The move did not go as expected. An unplanned trip to the emergency medical facility was necessary -- x-rays confirmed not one but two broken bones. As the movers scurried about and I stood numb among the boxes while absorbing the shocking news, my phone rang. “How’s the move going?” the caller inquired. “Not great. Mom broke her hand and her foot. She will be at the doctor all day, so I’m alone here with the movers.” Without pause, my concerned friend responded, “I’ll be rig

It all started when I attended a birthday party for a fellow member of the Hot Flashes, a senior tap dance group I had been invited to join in California. I thought it was a nice gesture on the part of the director, but I soon learned that the birthday party was actually a farewell party -- what a shock! I had no idea that when a member turned 80, she was kicked out of the group. Instead of getting a birthday gift, the guest of honor was asked to give one -- her costumes back

The rain battered the windshield. I would have pulled over, but through intermittent whiteouts, Nate forged ahead back to Boston after our visit with his sister in the Berkshires. As the MassPike curved through the beautiful landscape, an amazing sight broke through the clouds. A glorious rainbow. It blasted from beyond this world a reminder — at that very moment — that storms do pass and better days will arrive. But this rainbow stretched before us was unique. It began on th

Internet dating leaves me unnerved. Old photos and embellished profiles create people who don’t exist, while chatting it up with complete strangers feels unnatural and frankly dangerous. So you can imagine my dismay when my mom declared, “I’m ready to meet someone. I want to go on the computer.” I hoped my response would be convicting, “What? Mom, you are surrounded by so many new people where you live. Why go looking for strangers on the Internet? It’s not safe.” I figured i

I’ve never been a queen before. Royalty does not run in my family. In fact, I didn’t even expect to be noticed while attending the very popular Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop recently. But by day two, I was being crowned queen of the conference. As I stepped to the mic to make my acceptance speech, these words came out: “It’s never too late. I’m going to start writing.” My daughter, standing by my side, had always heard me talk about writing “someday.” Today is my someday. Th

New Year’s Resolutions. They just don’t work. At least they haven’t for me. But here we are with yet another year behind us so it’s time to relaunch again. For years, I’ve fallen into a pattern in my resolutions: embrace healthy diet/exercise routine, mature in my faith, balance work and family life, de-clutter my home, etc. I’ve re-scribbled these resolutions for as long as I can remember, and each year I’ve had good intentions to follow through. What went wrong, you ask? I

I hope to begin a movement — one critical to the survival of hard-working empty nesters who are weary after decades of child rearing. It will be called “Gap Year for Parents.” According to the American Gap Association, a gap year is “an experiential semester or year, typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional, and personal awareness.” But today I would like to boldly suggest that the target audience be expanded. Yes, I know kids

It was not my plan to go shopping that day nor was it my plan to shop in the coming weeks on Thanksgiving Day. No, not ever. That is a day for families and for giving thanks for our many blessings — not for running to the mall to secure a deal in celebration of a birthday that was never meant to be focused on consumerism. While it’s beyond my control for the masses, I did have a hand in saving one person’s Thanksgiving. His name was Justin. In his early 20’s and full of energ