Entwining

The coronavirus has altered life dramatically for all of us in a short time. In Illinois, as in many other states, we are required to wear masks in public indoor spaces -- grocery shopping, purchasing from other stores, picking up food from a restaurant. Outside, we are asked to maintain 6 feet of distance from…

Fellow white people --  Did you listen? Did you listen when they told you about Dontre Hamilton? When they told you about Eric Garner? Michael Brown? Tamir Rice? Did you read the stories they wrote about Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Alton Stirling? Did you sit silently by when you heard of Stephon Clark, Rekia Boyd?…

I received an email from a high school friend recently, and he described us as “decidedly middle age”. It’s quite an apt description, although one that really makes me feel my years. Today is my 44th birthday, and I would feel fortunate to make 88. My grandparents passed when they were 76, 77, 86, and…

I had just boarded a flight from Hawaii back to the mainland, taking my window seat. I am not a prolific flyer, but I have been on plenty of flights throughout my life, so I was accustomed to the routine. I settled in and had a brief chat with the man next to me. I…

In gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers who watch over us during this time.  In gratitude to the grocery store workers, the delivery people, and the warehouse employees who keep essential goods flowing to our homes.  In gratitude to the restaurant owners, chefs, and employees who provide delicious, nourishing food.  In…

Spring is a time of tension -- the tension between the old world of winter and the new world of summer. The tension between death and rebirth. It is the time of year when new life springs forth from the hard ground. The trees bud, the leaves grow, the flowers bloom, the birds sing. We…

Listen to "Enough" here. The sound in your voice shows the impact on your soul.  The thoughts in your mind hide how much this takes a toll.  And I want to take this weight away from you.  I wish I had some certainty that would guide you through. The light in your eyes contains the…