One week ago, I thought Parisa would be dead by now. She was my brother- and sister-in-law's cat, and we took care of her while they were on vacation for two weeks in July. We fell in love with her immediately. She is so sweet, and she has these little conversations with you in meows.…
Sometimes the ties that bind us can begin to feel like constraints. It is only when they fray that we start to value them. If we possess the wisdom to notice, and we have the chance to strengthen and tighten those bonds again, we can renew the connections that sustain us. My cousin and her…
You blink light on and off outside my window, Floating over grass and under branch, You and your fellows giving form To air and to early summer. You signal long days and leisurely evenings, Your flight languid and luxurious, A reminder for us to slow down, Experience each second, Enjoy those that bring us joy,…
Red sun peers through murky skies. We glimpse future through clouded eyes. What awaits us is in doubt; Will we see the next seed sprout And grow into a tree that protects the weak Who flourish at its root? What more will be left for those who seek To be nourished by its fruit? They…
Climate change is an issue that must be addressed at all levels of our governmental, economic, and social systems. At the local level in our community of Oak Park, 70% of our emissions come from our buildings – and this number is comparable to many communities around the US. As such, we must move to…
Ten years ago at this time, we were counting contractions. We were preparing to go to the midwives' office. I was getting the car from our parking garage so your mom wouldn't have to walk all the way there while in labor. I was grabbing our overnight bag for the hospital. I was helping her…
When I say I’m sorry, Is it because I regret what I did Or because I believe others want me to regret it? Is it because I have taken honest ownership of my actions And have a genuine desire to make amends Or because I fear someone else’s reaction to my perceived transgression? Is it…
What responsibilities do we have to one another? The answer seems to vary based on whether we regard the “other” as inside or outside our group. For those inside our closest groups, we have compassion; we make sacrifices. Outside our groups, too many of us look around, judge others, and close ourselves off. We recognize…
The voice pulses through tinny speakers and echoes from the surrounding buildings: "Chicago is a hellhole." We hear it over and over, ad nauseam: "Chicago is a hellhole." Volume rising and falling, increasing and abating, the message remains the same: "Chicago is…" "STOP!" I feel the crackle of visceral anger protected through verbal response. I…
Every spring, I welcome the sight of the tulip stalks pushing through the newly thawing soil. They are a sign that warmer temperatures are returning, willing to stick their metaphorical necks out as the days start to lengthen. But because they are so early to the eventually raucous party that is springtime, they run a…
Entwining 