Turning 90

I’m not turning 90. But my mother is, in just a few days. She’s always been a little proud to share a birthday with Thomas Edison. My dad died when he was 83, and both of my in-laws were gone by their mid-80s as well. So it feels like a big deal to have...

Mama Says: Special Presentation

Now don’t send me hate mail because you love your dog. I am about to tell you a story about my mother and her dog. Here’s the preface. My mother is fond of her dog. She recognizes that he has been good for her in the years since she’s had him. But today is her...

One Year of Mama Says

Almost a year ago I started a Friday feature called “Mama Says.” Every week I shared something my mother has said that caused me to laugh, reflect, act. It’s been fun to hear that people looked forward to what Mama had to say each week. “Mama Says” as a weekly feature...

Mama Says #50

When I spent an extended visit with my mother in Florida last summer, I met a next door neighbor who gave me his phone number and said I could call any time I needed something—anything at all. I left feeling assured that if I had to manage some sort of emergency from...

Mama Says #49

My mom was telling about something that caught her eye while she was out shopping. Her response was, “It’s nice. I like it. I’ll have some.” Okay, so it’s not a flawless way to make purchasing decisions, especially if your budget boxes you in, but it made me think...