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…
military spouses
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…
Just listen: A father’s full story
I stepped from airport baggage claim into the steamy Richmond sun, and found a bench at curbside pick up. I hadn’t seen my father in a while, and a twinge of nerves caught in my throat. When in a good mood, Dad is fun, larger than life in every way. While watching his favorite sitcoms,…
