-
Perspective

Oh this was a long day! Encrusted with germs, donated by my generous children, I struggled to drink my coffeee and keep it down while working and sanitizing my hands and all surfaces with alcohol I made it, somehow, but the nausea rolled all day- like the good times, but less enjoyable. And somehow, my…
-
Perpetual motion machine

Small children are perpetual motion machines Driven by the energy they suck out of their parents Their rambunctiousness Inversely proportionate To the state of their parent’s patience Fueled by mischief and sugar They run rampage in a constant stream of noise Sprinkling toys and destruction In their wake Small and mighty They rule the roost…
-
Pink eye and cute germ factories

This winter has been brutal. Once again, I’ve decided my day off could best be spent with a virus. I’m not sure which one it is this time, they all look the same in the way they attack. Runny nose, sneeze, sore throat, and general malaise. But the super-special part of this was waking up…
-
Family Sunday

I spent today working on the idea of being present. I hear a lot about it lately, “being present” The idea that you need to really experience your life. On the surface, this sounds remarkably dumb. Like, you’re immersed in your life, how the heck can you be present more than just being there? But…
-
Endless love

I know what love is. I’ve touched it’s hand, seen it’s smile, watched the soft eyes crinkle. I’ve seen it cradle a newborn, caress a cheek, stroke hair off a fevered brow But I’ve never felt it break my heart Until today Angels waiting for space to be made, Heaven a certainty. The world will…
-
Heavy

My stomach feels as though it’s lined with a weight. Loaded up with rocks and set adrift in the ocean. I could lecture myself all day about the need to breathe and stay positive, but today just isn’t one of those days. Something in the air, perhaps. Or maybe it’s the number 13. I’ve always…
-
Winter Sunday dreaming

The weekend blurred again, far too short to accomplish everything in my list. Some things have to be done, like laundry and dishes, but all the others were once again relegated to the pile of “when I get around to it” As much as I love to make lists, the best mneumonic I’ve ever found…
-
Goodnight

She said her goodbyes today Her “I’ve had a great life, and oh, the times I’ve had” I smiled and tried to brush the implications aside, said “I’ll see you next week.” She smiled, closed her eyes, but didn’t respond. Suddenly, just when I thought she’d fallen asleep, her eyes opened, sharpened, “Look after him…
-
The night shift

The longest day in the calendar is the one where you didn’t sleep the night before. It appears the gastro has descended on the house of Gooden. It made its appearance with the sounds of my toddler throwing up at midnight. And one am, two am, three am, four am, and then it was time…
-
Let sleeping toddlers lie

My little man is growing up. I’m watching him with mixed feelings as he snores on my lap. Having refused a nap earlier, he’s already passed out, an hour before his regular bedtime. He’s getting so big. Talking and telling funny stories (well, he thinks they are at least. I usually have no idea why…
