Sunday Morning With Mother

Sunday morning. I’m at Dayle’s, sitting on the couch. She and Stan are at church. The house is quiet. A fire pushes back the chill. Hot coffee is nearby. Mother’s asleep in the recliner beside me. It’s been her preferred place to sleep since she broke her arm in October. Last night, we played a few rounds of dominoes. Even with only one good arm, she makes me work for every win I get, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I watch her sleeping, my heart aches a little. The last few years have taken a toll on her body. Three falls. Broken bones. Serious injuries that would have traumatized anyone of any age. Yet here she is, still reaching out to others, offering encouragement, and lifting loads wherever she can. Is it any wonder her very name means “compassionate friend”?

I don’t know what the future holds for Mother, but whatever comes her way, I know she’ll meet it with steadfastness and grace. I'm blessed and grateful to call her my mom.

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Proverbs 31:25-26 (NKJV) - "Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."

Sunday Church and Brunch

After morning church, my twin and I stopped in at Tommy Bahama’s on Market Street—one of my favorite places to eat—where we lingered over a delicious brunch while sharing laughter and easy conversation.

When dessert arrived, however—Pineapple Crème Brûlée—our words gave way to the unintelligible noises we always seem to make when something sweet and delectable hits the table. You know what I mean?

Afterward, we strolled a bit in the afternoon sun, simply enjoying the familiar comforts of each other’s company. A few photos for the scrapbook, and then we headed home. Just a brief time together but greatly uplifting.

I’ve never lived without Dayle. I hope I never have to. On the proverbial sea of life, she’s been my rock, my compass, and my lighthouse. God knew I would need her, and he knows I still do.

Another Year Ends

As fireworks boom outside my window and the clock ticks toward 2026, I’m leaving 2025 with a heart full of gratitude.

For life.

For health.

For family.

For friends.

For sufficient grace when shadows persisted.

For goodness and mercy that followed me.

For faith that anchored me.

For unseen hands that protected me.

For sunsets that left me speechless.

For silver moons that lifted my head.

For words that gave me hope.

For food, shelter, and clothing.

For peace that defied explanation.

For birthday celebrations.

For the privilege of prayer.

For the laughter of children.

For shoulders to lean on.

For hands to hold.

For hugs that lingered.

For meaningful conversations.

Maybe 2025 left you complaining, but, for me, it was loaded with blessings from above.

Wonderful Week With Wonderful People

Wonder Woman has had a wonderful week for anyone wondering. Monday evening, I prepared dinner for a lovely couple, David and Leslie Betz. We share grandchildren, so they are more like family to me than friends. Such beautiful souls they are, and it was a wonderful time of good food (my delectable pork chops) and wonderfully warm fellowship.

On Tuesday, I headed to Vidor, my old stomping grounds, to visit a friend who has been part of my life since we were both teens. Her and her family were the first people we met when my father accepted the pastorate in Beaumont, TX. Our visit was everything it always is: rich conversation, plenty of laughter, maybe a tear or two, and a delicious lunch at Beaumont’s Riverside Grille. Dear Cheryl, thank you again for lunch and for simply being you. You are a wise, godly, and gracious woman, and as I told you before I left, I always leave wanting to be a better person. Your husband, children, grandchildren, and all of your extended family are so blessed to have you in their lives.

This week also brought two wonderfully successful shopping days for my little part time hobby—always a thrill—and today, an equally successful day of consigning, which brings its own kind of joy.

In between all of the above, I sat with my dear mother for several hours this week. She keeps me on my toes with questions to which I don’t always have the answers. Thankfully, Google always does. Your continued prayers for her and her primary caregivers are appreciated.

And what about you? I trust your week has been wonderful, too. If not, I trust you leaned into grace and found strength to press onward. Life can be hard and unfair, but God is always good. Until we meet again, dear friend, please be kind, be merciful, and don’t let things you can’t control be the things that control you.

Christmas Tree Is Up

After much debate, I decided to put up the big tree and scatter bits of Christmas cheer here and there. Living alone can make you question whether the effort is worth it, but in the end, I believe it is. The way I see it, the joy it brings me is reason enough. It’s like a gift I give myself, and I’m worth it.

I’m not one of those talented decorators who can load up a tree with glitter and glam, and even if I could, I’m not sure I would. For me, my tree is the star, so I decorate with a light hand and let the tree shine. It's nothing fancy, but I'm not fancy either. Here's wishing you a peaceful Tuesday evening, dear friend. I hope the day has been kind, and I pray tomorrow dawns with blessings and favor.

Blessed Beyond Measure

Earlier today, twin sister asked if I could join her and “the treasures” for a bit of after-school shopping. I was free, so we went. Though the shopping didn’t yield anything, and the little ones were a bit weary and distracted, we made a sweet detour through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru. With windows down and golden light spilling in, we ate our nuggets and watched the sun slowly slip toward the horizon. For me, it was a quiet reminder that life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. Every day is a gift from God, and if you have a loving family to share it with, you’re blessed beyond measure.

Cool Mornings and a Black Door

The past few mornings have greeted me with that invigorating bite of autumn—brisk and bracing in the best way. My nightshift with Mother is 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., so there’s quite a chill in my old house when I get home. I built my first fire of the season a few mornings ago. If you had been here, I would’ve thrown a pan of biscuits in the oven and fried us some bacon and eggs. Instead, I poured myself a fresh cup of coffee and savored the crackling fire alone. On another note, I had my back door painted black a few weeks ago. I think it adds a bit more coziness to the space. What say ye?

I hope this first day of November has been a beautiful one for you. Don't forget to set the clocks back tonight, and if you've run out of things to pray about, Mother and her caregivers can use your prayers. Until Mother's arm is healed, she can’t use her walker, which adds to the challenges of everyday life with a broken arm. In the meantime, we’re leaning into patience and God’s sufficient grace. Until next time, dear friend, be kind, be good, and hug someone you love.

The Twin and I

It was a quick lunch with twin sister, but it was a bright spot in my day. Through the years, I’ve learned that time with Dayle makes challenging times seem easier and lovelier days seem lovelier still. How blessed I am to have her as my sister, my advisor, and my friend. I hope your day had some bright spots, too, and I hope tomorrow brings renewed strength for wherever your journey is taking you. Until next time, dear friend, walk gently, love generously and treat others as you wish to be treated.

Unexpected Detours

As the soft hues of morning announced the dawn of another day, I thanked God for the privilege of watching over my dear mother during the night, meeting her needs, and making her as comfortable as possible during this unexpected detour of a broken arm. She’s a real trooper, and I know she’ll get through this with flying colors. Thank you for your prayers.

Life’s proverbial highway is often lined with unexpected detours, isn’t it? Much like a sudden storm that sends a tornado ripping through a neighborhood, things we thought couldn’t happen, happen. Things we thought were indestructible are destroyed. Homes. Relationships. Careers. Lives. As humans, we often struggle to find the reasons why, but in the end, it doesn’t change the outcome. Our only choice is to gather the things that remain and find another path. It isn’t easy, saying goodbye to things we once held dear, but God is with us.

Just as I watched over Mother all night, ever aware of her situation and the special care it would require, God watches over us in our night, ever aware of our situations, making sure our needs are met and that we aren’t alone. What a wonderful Father he is to his dear children, and how grateful is this child.

Happy heavenly birthday to my beloved big sister, Elaine. She left us way too soon, and I miss her influence in my life every single day. She loved with exuberance and always had an uplifting word to share. I miss her smile, her singing, her music, and her exuberant love. Gone for now, but I'll see her again... in the sweet by and by. The best big sister ever!