The weekend of Diana’s visit was a resounding success. Sunday was spent with more sightseeing, this time with the kids in tow as they started at Zoo Tampa. Both Lee and Diana were very fond of animals and often visited the local zoo wherever they traveled. A late lunch was also kid-oriented as they went for the all-American meal of hamburger, french fries, and Cokes, though at an upscale restaurant. Seeing her Dad with Ci...

Did you know When our eyes met Where this Would lead? ❤️ Did you know Our first dance Would last Past midnight? ❤️ Did you know The love I found In your eyes Awakened me? ❤️ Did you know Our hearts Were set aflame Blended as one? ❤️ Did you know Walking under a full moon Led us To fall in love? ❤️ Did you know Our vows spoken Shall be sung On mountain tops forever? ❤️ Did you know Finding you Excited me. To live again? ❤️...

Beth and I were distant for the next few weeks. Not in a cool, uncaring way, but still giving each other more space than we had before. That was difficult at times; she couldn’t drive, and it was possible she’d never be cleared for it again. I wasn’t supposed to leave her alone for too long, either, just in case. I’d been working from home since she left the hospital, and what had been convenient before now felt almost st...

Marge was sitting at the small table, looking out the window and wringing her hands together. Her eyes were moist; not full of tears, not yet, but right on the verge. When she heard me enter, though, the first one slid down her cheek. “Charlie, baby. We need to talk.” That phrase never presaged a happy conversation. Everyone, man or woman, married or single, knows that. I knew it better than most. Sitting down in the chai...

Finally, my dad nodded to the undertaker who started the conveyor. “Annie?” he had asked. I just couldn't, wouldn't, shouldn't. Bloody typical, Sarah would’ve thought. “Brian?” Sarah’s father, again cervical cancer’s bitch, had also shaken his head; a stoic’s single tear staining his new cream shirt. My fingers locked with theirs. My face dissolved, a mascara mess. The white pine coffin, painted with rainbows and unicorns...

It was just after dark when I pulled into my driveway. I thought it was odd that the house was dark. It was a school night, so my kids would have homework, and Claudia would have dinner ready. I had a quick one-day trip to complete and sign a big contract. My plane was delayed. I had texted Claudia about the delay but had not received a response, nor did I when I called her after we landed. That was odd. So, I am ninety m...

My lines were smooth and clean back then.A careful paint, a cunning bra, a well cut shift,I could pass and raise a tempted brow. You needed no such subterfuge, my lovely beaux.So handsome and strong, you made women weep,thinking they should have my place. We'd stroll the latest clubs, hand in hand,nodding a haughty, spare address to those favored few,then hurry home to feast upon ourselves. It was a private irony that I w...

By your bed, I stand and stare, wondering if you’re aware. In my hands I hold a card, buying it had been so hard. Beneath your eyelids I see pulses, then awakening, fluttering lashes. You blink: one, two, three and now I know you see me. Your tongue pokes and licks along cracked, dried lips. You gaze up into my face a tiny smile now in place. A dry cough, then you speak a soft, sweet voice but oh so weak. Come here, come...