The Blog

I wrote this a few years ago in memory of Matthew Shepard. I post it every year at this time and will continue to. May Matthew’s precious soul rest in peace. Dear Matthew, Twenty-four years ago this month, I opened the newspaper and saw your picture. It captivated me. You were about my age—21. But you looked much younger and …

September is National Recovery Month. It’s especially meaningful to me because I was addicted to fentanyl, other opiates, and alcohol for ten years. And now, by the grace of God, I’ve been in recovery for ten years. So I’m carrying the message that there’s hope for anyone who’s suffering from the disease of addiction. I know how it feels to …

A year ago today, a dear friend showed up on our doorstep with a tiny orange kitten. She asked if I wanted to spend some time with him, but I knew what she was really asking: did Monty and I want him? We did. I did. But I was still recovering from surgery on my spine and the loss of …

The Absence of Pain – R. A. P.

Rian and I had “the talk” this afternoon. Let’s just say it was time. Here’s the transcript—you can decide for yourself how it went. Me: Hi, baby. I need to talk to you. Rian: I’m very busy right now. Me: You were sleeping. Rian: My eyes were closed, but my brain was open for business. I had a LOT of …

John Denver is not just my favorite singer—his music has been the soundtrack of my life. I first heard his songs on a drive with my dad. Then my brother and I started listening to him, with my brother “accompanying” him by playing guitar on a tennis racket. Monty and I both loved John Denver’s music—we had a friend sing …

Like Fire – R.A.P.

Soul Custody for James – R. A. P.

You’ve probably heard me call Rian our “miracle boy” many times. This is his story and why I call him that. August 18, 2021: Our dear friend Rhonda comes over and says she wants to show us something. She hands me this tiny little scrap of a kitten and tells us she’ll be back to pick him up in a …

A Prayer for Ukraine