Life Under The Lemon Tree

We went to Letie's funeral. It was difficult but we felt that we needed to be there having been there at her end. We did not attend Wayne's funeral. Wayne's family never reached out to us and that was the best thing for all involved. The house sat empty for months and then was sold… Continue reading XXII. Faith

We had lived in our little middle class neighborhood since around 2000 and had always been those neighbors who like to know their neighbors and so we do. We stand in our front yards visiting with people we know and somewhat strangers expect for the fact that they walk by our house daily. Our neighborhood… Continue reading XXI. An October Monday, 2004

The last morning at mom's is much like every other morning at mom's...until it's time to say goodbye. Good morning, Nebraska. As you have figured out, I thrive in routine. At mom's I would awaken around 4:30, convert my guest room back into her living room, leave and go get my coffee and breakfast. There… Continue reading XX. The Detour

We headed back to mom's as I had a dinner date with one of my little sisters, Deb. This too would be very different from years past. In the past it felt more like an obligation to get together with family than a desire. This year I was excited and took a bit more control… Continue reading XIX Debbie & Debbie

I recently made the trek up thru the Great Plains of America to see my mom. There is a routine when I go to see mom. She lives in a small one bedroom apartment, in a small town, in a small retirement complex. I opt to make a small pallet to sleep on at mom's… Continue reading XVIII Going Home: Timeless Friends

July 28, 2018 He really wasn't that into the reception. Family gatherings had become increasingly complicated since dad's passing. Past conflicts seemed to be taking on new life, possibly fueled by the strong emotions of loss the family was enduring. He would make the best of it for the families sake. Later in the evening… Continue reading XVII 365 Days

"He who drinks a fifth on the fourth, may not may not be able to go forth on the fifth." Thomas Jefferson This was one of our father's favorite quotes. He would recite it each 4th of July. I know this from my year of stalking the family on social media and Michael and Teresa… Continue reading XVI. Reunion Pt. 3

So I'm usually the guy taking all the photos, trying to capture the moment, who ends up "outside" the moment in doing so. I didn't take any of the photos I will be posting today. I was in the moment and basking in every moment of it. This is a shift for me. Being present… Continue reading XV Reunion Pt.2

I set off across the Great State of Texas around 6:30 Tuesday morning, heading for my brothers for a much anticipated family reunion. Its about an 8 hour drive if everything goes smoothly...and it did. Michael likes updates as I make my journey to and from his home. It is so endearing and yet another… Continue reading XIV Reunion Pt. 1

Well, campers, Its been almost two years to the day since I got the life altering email from Ancertry.com. I've pretty much caught us up on the basic events that transpired over these last couple of years. It all seems so "normal' now. I can't hardly remember what it was like before...although I do. That… Continue reading XIII Time Stand Still