"Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it." (Hab 2:2)
For whatever reason, there’s only a single picture of Oma Ida and me, a keepsake I’ve always cherished throughout my life. She’s the only grandparent I’ve met in person; all others had long passed on when I was born. My life with her began on a hot summer day when my mother labored to bring … Continue reading Molded after Oma Ida.
Doodling on the icy window pane with my finger, I turn to Mami, “When is he coming? Why is he taking so long?” “Soon, he’s coming soon.” She steps beside me, squeezes my shoulder, and leans closer to the window, “Oh, it’s not snowing that much anymore. That’s good. He’ll soon be here.” Outside, the … Continue reading SLEDGING
A TRIBUTE What's in a name? Mother. So rich, so much meaning. So filled with love and compassion. So warm, so embracing, so still. Mom. Mom, carrying me in her womb. Mom, hugging me as a little child. Mom, making Arme Ritter for breakfast or lunch. Mom, faithful and protective when facing my teenage pregnancy. … Continue reading Mother. Mom. Mami.
LETTERS TO MARIE My beloved Marie, Today, I want to tell you about my daddy, your great-grandpa. There are so many stories, happy ones and sad ones, but I’d love to share this one with you, when I asked him to help me hang up my huge mirror: I hear my parent’s car and see … Continue reading The Mirror
Tad (6) and Elo (5) are playing. They are coming to my room and ask me not to look at them, “You don’t know we are here, and you know why? It's because we are invisible.” “Okay.” I try to ignore them. Tad, “We are on a mission.” “Okay.” I am informed they need to … Continue reading Power to the little ones
The taste of German bread...
Tragedy of an earthquake. Surviving the loss of those we love.
It's just after four o'clock and already dark outside. Helga and I are tapping our feet at the threshold, freeing boots and pant bottoms from snow before opening our entrance door. I inhale deeply. She looks at me, nodding, and we giggle in anticipation. A wonderful whiff of baked apples, cinnamon and caramel sugar greets … Continue reading Memories of Advent
Grandma Ida’s house was not really that large. But too big for a widow living by herself, decided the mayor. “Sorry, Madam, but you must take some of them.” “How many?” she asked, fully knowing there’s nothing much she could do. The ending war just swept a wave of refugees from the East into the … Continue reading A woman from the East
"You are dreaming again," shaking her head, Charlotte darts a disapproving look my way, blue-checkered kitchen towel in hand. I am watching the bird fight in the bird house outside our window, hoping my math problem is solving itself. Some redstarts are fiercely defending their lunch, fighting off an audacious sparrow. Birdseed flying all over … Continue reading Math problem solved
REVERIE 