As parents, it is easy to identify childhood traits that continue into adulthood. My oldest still tests for “the swirl factor” when trying on dresses. My youngest is still more inclined to listen to a conversation rather than join in. When it comes to us, we sometimes forget these strings ...

If you see me this week, be sure to admire my newest handcrafted bracelets. One is a strikingly patriotic red, white and blue rainbow loom fishtail design, the perfect Olympic wear. The other is crafted of clay beads centered around a watermelon sphere, totally a symbol of summer. This jewelry ...

Alas, my husband and I have become predictable. My younger self would be appalled by our comfortable routines. We eat at the same restaurants, get together with the same people, and follow the same schedules week after week. Even our retirement purchases mirrored those of other people our age, ...

My husband, Bill, utters the dreaded words, “I’ll go to the grocery store with you.” I stifle a groan. I know he is either bored or thinks he is being helpful. “If I come along, it will be quicker.” He has already placed the bags in the car and turned on the ignition before I ...

Our youngest child graduates from high school this week. We should be ready; we’ve been through this milestone twice before. This time, though, it’s different. There isn’t a younger sibling waiting in the wings, demanding our attention, or needing our care. This year of senior events was ...

There are two handwritten entries and one photo in my baby book. My aunt took the photo, not my parents. I was the third child, and I took this lack of documentation as a sign that my arrival wasn’t important. I mentioned the sole picture in my baby album to my mother the other day. Her ...