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    Essays,  General Thoughts

    Losing My Religion

    I didn’t attend church regularly while growing up, although I lived in the “Bible Belt” (and still do). I remember going to churches for weddings, as a guest of my friends on occasion, and with my Meema (my dad’s mother) when I would spend some Saturday nights with her but was never officially a member of any church until I was an adult. It’s not knocking my parents in any way; church was just not something we did. We were not a family that prayed before bed or said grace before meals. During holidays, other family members would say grace, and I would bow my head and pray along with…

  • Essays,  General Thoughts

    Bah! Humbug: What’s Christmas all about?

    I find myself identifying with Charlie Brown and Ebenezer Scrooge this year. For some reason, I’m just not in the mood for Christmas. Normally, I love this time of year: the traditions, the music, the food, and the family togetherness. I like seeing the lights and decorations, smelling the apple spice and peppermint, and reminding my children that it is better to give than to receive. I enjoy donating to charities that help children have a present because all children deserve that regardless of their circumstances. My favorite part of A Charlie Brown Christmas is when Linus, asked by Charlie Brown if anyone can tell him what Christmas is all about, stands on…

  • College Poetry,  Poetry

    Beside Myself

    “Beside Myself” Free Verse Poetry, Poetry Workshop, 2002 I’m amazed I didn’t cry That night when I parked beside the lake To talk to God. I needed Him to listen to me Because you would leave in eight hours. I knew that fifty-two weeks Would pass before I could see you or Kiss you again. Until you’re home, I’ll close my eyes and Imagine you walking beside me. It’s been forty-four weeks since You left for overseas adventure. Tell me, baby, Am I still the only woman who You can talk to for six hours straight? More than I need the courage I prayed for long ago, I need to…