My husband, Francis, is truly extraordinary. And no one knows it better than he does. Some men humbly avoid excess attention and accolades of praise. But not Francis. He prefers the limelight, and finds no shame in celebrating himself. So, several months ago, when he announced that he would transition out of the military after…
military spouses
Once A Military Family
At seven in the morning, the summer sun was already shining hot and bright. I found space among the passengers on the train platform. My husband, Francis, hastily parked my luggage at my feet, inadvertently nicking my toe in the process. “Ooo, sorry Hon, but I’d better get to work … call me when you…
The Middle-aged Woman and the Sea
Thanks to a guy named Big Victor, I’m finally free of years of bitter resentment. No, I didn’t put a hit out on anyone — although, Big Victor did seem like he’d be up for that kind of thing — I simply went fishing. Ever since I can remember, I’ve idealized fishing. As an awkward…
Reconstructing Patriotism
Back in 1976, it was our country’s Bicentennial, and I was in the 4th grade. At East Pike Elementary, Ms. Degatano’s class was picked to reenact life in 1776. For five months until school let out for summer, we wore bonnets and three-cornered hats, churned butter, sewed our own flags, ran a general store, and…
What I believe about Hell and hand baskets