Blog
Beginning with tears, ending with reflection: An old man’s pattern
I don’t know why I had tears that morning. But a story from Scripture gave me a new idea.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 9: Why was he the only one to say thanks?
“Why do I deserve this?” We may ask the question when bad times come our way. Do we think to ask it when we’ve received a special blessing?
A trip to a scenic corner. A step in the journey that now feels new
Another family vacation without Evelyn. Wonderful—and sad.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 8: They overcame the obstacles and found love
Jesus couldn’t ignore their bold move, but he gave them more than they likely expected.
Stanley Tucci, Italian cooking, cancer, and the meaning of life
I was getting a little bored with the book till I came to the last chapter and realized Tucci had touched something far more profound than what we’ll fix for dinner.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 7: Before the miracle, a penetrating question
The question would make a great meme, and each person’s answer can direct his future days.
A popular lyric. A friend’s example. The challenge I’m facing today
The resolution to one friend’s stress could lead to deeper peace for me, too.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 6: The peril of pride masked by obedience
What would have been different if he had come with even a couple of these attitudes?
My answers for those who ask me ‘How’s Evelyn? And how are you?’
We’re on something of a plateau right now. Things could be better, of course, but I’m glad they’re not worse.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 5: Just one meeting changed everything
All his life he felt less than. Could this miracle-working teacher show him his true worth?
Through the decades, our life has been filled with love notes
All of our life he wrote me love notes. And now I’m writing them to him.
Marking an unremarkable anniversary with the woman I’ll never forget
For the first time in 51 years, we didn’t celebrate our wedding anniversary. But I marked the occasion in a way I’ll always remember.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 4: Two sisters, two choices, top priority
Many caregivers can identify with Martha’s complaint. Many more would be helped by imitating Mary.
My 30-minute outburst: new rage and new grief in a new chapter
Briefly Sunday night I couldn’t contain the negative emotions or stop the agitated outburst.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 3: Describing worship to an outcast—and us
This is the “kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.”
The questions I tried to answer, and the one that left me speechless
Benevolent lies are stock-in-trade for Alzheimer’s caregivers. But I couldn’t think of any way to respond to a question that struck at the core of what she’s facing.
Jesus Loved Them, Part 2: Confronted with the challenge to believe
Despite his great learning from the Old Testament Scriptures, Nicodemus still had trouble acknowledging the divinity of the One those Scriptures had foretold. His was a struggle that has been repeated from his time till now.
Calculating ‘quality of life’ amid my not-finished-yet goodbye
Another trip to the hospital for a condition that hadn’t taken us there before. How many more trips will there be?
Jesus Loved Them, Part 1: Matthew, a surprising call to discipleship
Jesus loved him. Jesus called him. We can say both are true for us, too.
Four more conclusions in response to a caregiver’s plea for help
A caregiver’s plea for help in dealing with his task reminded me of conclusions that have come to me in more than five years of caregiving.