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January 5, 2009
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Spiritual Care
Article Archive
TYLER'S BAPTISM
November 30, 2007 8:48 AM ET
In the Roman Catholic Church infants and children are baptized and welcomed as full members of the Church.
GOT FRUIT?
September 3, 2007 2:03 PM ET
That is what a lady's purple t-shirt said the other day. It really caught my attention. My first thought was that it was about some fruit boycott. Well it wasn't. It was all about Galatians 5:22 - 26.
THE GREEN TURTLE
May 18, 2007 8:38 AM ET
When my son, Fred was about 6 years old his Aunt Emily made him a cute green frog and made herself a green turtle.
FRIENDS AND ANGELS
October 16, 2006 8:07 AM ET
I recently celebrated my birthday. I didn’t have any cake. That was good since I didn’t need the calories. I did receive two angel figurines from two friends that have recently come into my life.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
JUST A MINUTE
July 6, 2006 11:16 AM ET
How many times did your mother ask you to do something around the house, and your answer was, "In a minute?"
By Rev. William Hale
A SPECIAL EGG
April 17, 2006 10:04 AM ET
I celebrated Easter in 2003 with my two sons, Mark and Fred, my sister, Emily and Mark’s friend, Irene and her two children, Gabby and Tabby by having dinner in my new apartment.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
POORER EYESIGHT, GREATER INSIGHT
March 16, 2006 2:53 PM ET
When I go through the halls of the hospital where I work, or mingle with friends and acquaintances, I'm amazed at how people seem obsessed with aging. To my friendly greeting, "How are you doing?" I get, "Not getting any younger, unfortunately." Or people will tell me, "Don't get old!"
By Rev. William Hale
A QUIET PLACE TO SOOTHE THE SOUL
January 25, 2006 5:19 AM ET
Normally, I am not a person who appreciates silence, seeking instead stimulation such as music or a good conversation. However, I recently learned what peace there can be in seeking out a quiet space and time.
By Rev. William Hale
THE PIANIST
November 14, 2005 8:52 AM ET
The young pianist seemed entirely at ease as he adjusted the bench and then nodded to the conductor to begin the concerto. But it wasn't until he had actually begun to play that everyone noticed how much he was enjoying himself.
THE BLUE PURSE
August 23, 2005 11:03 AM ET
This past June my son, Mark became ill with a blood infection. While he was in the hospital, I would sit by his bedside to talk with him. I started knitting a blue purse to keep me calm and I could still talk. Mark died on June 14, but I still have this lovely blue purse to remember the time I spent with him.
GOD OFFERS US HOPE AND LOVE (CHRISTIAN BELIEF)
April 22, 2005 7:39 AM ET
The streets were still empty early on that first day of the week when the women gathered together. At the hour when other women were drawing water for their families or preparing meals, love of their Lord drew these women to a tomb.
By Rev. William Hale
THE JOURNEY
March 14, 2005 8:20 AM ET
It is comonplace to speak about "the journey of life." We use the same metaphor about a variety of experiences: a journey through grief, our Lenten journey (if you are christian), and so forth. But if we examine this expression, what do we really mean by it?
WHAT SHAPE ARE YOU IN?
February 25, 2005 11:08 AM ET
I have a really pretty amethyst ring. My husband bought it for me the day after I was in an automobile accident in 1999. The ring was round, but it isn't now. It changed shape gradually, over a period of months, perhaps years.
By Chaplain Mary Robbins
THE DOOR OPENS
February 10, 2005 6:10 AM ET
Recently I was with a patient who was just told he had cancer. He calmly said, "They tell me that when God shuts one door another one opens."
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
A CHRISTMAS WISH
December 22, 2004 9:45 AM ET
When my daughters were young, they would always want to know what I wanted for Christmas. My reply was usually "Peace on Earth and two weeks of children acting like they've been taught something."
By Chaplain Mary Robbins
MOM'S PRESSURE COOKER
December 14, 2004 6:39 AM ET
When I was about 10 years old, one Sunday afternoon, the family was sitting at the dinning room table eating. All of a sudden ka-boom went the pressure cooker in the kitchen. Food was dripping from the ceiling onto the floor and down the walls.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
WHERE IS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?
November 23, 2004 2:20 PM ET
As you read this, doubtless it will be on a day when the pressures of work, or of shopping, or of other personal issues have taken their toll.
By Chaplain Bill Hale
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
October 28, 2004 6:46 AM ET
Halloween was always one of my favorite childhood holidays. The opportunity to wear a costume and go in search of chocolate with my neighborhood friends was really neat. Pumpkins turned into jack-o-lanterns were part of the magic as well.
By Chaplain Mary Robbins
YOUR SLIP IS SHOWING
October 20, 2004 7:44 AM ET
Life gives us interesting encounters and challenges. Last week I went to tell a woman that her slip was showing.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
AUTUMN LEAVES
September 27, 2004 8:46 AM ET
While driving around town I just can’t help but notice the beautiful fall colors.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
A CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
August 3, 2004 7:17 AM ET
I was recently invited to a birthday party for a seven-year-old boy. My son and I purchased this young man some of those Hulk Hands. There were several other children at the party.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
SUMMER VACATION
July 15, 2004 7:39 PM ET
My co-worker is off to a vacation in a resort town in Mexico. I think it is wonderful to go as far as financially possible for a vacation.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
“IS IT SPRING YET?”
June 1, 2004 6:50 AM ET
That has been the sign on the door to my apartment. When I look out the window I have to say, “Yes, it is.”
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
LIAR, LIAR
April 16, 2004 10:12 AM ET
A few years ago there was a popular movie named “Liar, Liar.” It starred Jim Carey.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
EYE OF THE STORM
March 9, 2004 8:54 AM ET
Hurricane season starts in the spring. They usually mention an eye of the storm as being a calm section of the hurricane. Life with all of it problems can be like that storm swirling and blowing all about.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
GLOOMY SKY
February 23, 2004 1:13 PM ET
Years ago my nephew, John then 6 years old moved to Michigan from sunny Phoenix, Arizona. One overcast day he pointed to the sky and asked, “what’s that?”
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE MALL
January 23, 2004 12:51 PM ET
During my novitiate as a Roman Catholic, Sister of Charity I was expected to spend one day a week somewhere in prayer. One example given to me was to use the local park. I often spent my time at the local mall. My director in questioning me wondered about the spirituality of the mall.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
NEW PET BIRD
November 21, 2003 6:17 AM ET
This past Saturday my son, Mark bought me a new parakeet with all the accessories. The woman at the pet store was going through all I need to know to take care of the new parakeet.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
I’M FINE AND HOW ARE YOU?
October 23, 2003 1:12 PM ET
How many times in your life have you been asked, “how are you today.” The standard reply is “I’m fine and how are you?” I’m sure there are days that you would like to say “terrible and life stinks.”
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
BLACKOUT 2003
September 23, 2003 11:25 AM ET
Everyone is talking about what they were doing at the time of the blackout.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
A FAITHFUL FRIEND
September 8, 2003 9:45 AM ET
My son's neighbor, Kathy has a 60-pound boxer for a pet. His name is Sarge.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
THE NON-RETURNABLE GIFT
August 29, 2003 7:11 AM ET
As a Roman Catholic and a Sister of Charity I am required to do spiritual retreats every year.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
SMELL THE WATER
August 19, 2003 8:30 AM ET
Someone recently received e-mail about the wonderful smell of fresh water. This person wanted to know about the spiritual nature of water. I do think this column is to small for that broad of a topic. So I will narrow it down to the smell of water.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
August 5, 2003 10:24 AM ET
Recently there have been advertisements with the heading “Christmas in July Sale.” The ads typically are for things I do not need or want. However, the heading did strike me as it is only a few months and Christmas will be here.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
LET'S FLOAT
July 23, 2003 5:51 AM ET
Recently someone sent me an e-mail about what we learned from the story of Noah's Ark. You may have even received it from someone. I get a ton of them from friends and family. I'm getting good at that "delete" button on the keyboard. This time I read it and found part of it that struck me. That one was when you're stressed, float awhile.
By Sr. Louise Zaplitny
WHO WAS IT THAT SAID, "DEEP AS FIRST LOVE AND WILD WITH ALL REGRET"?
April 1, 2003 8:03 AM ET
The senior citizens that I have the privilege to serve tell me in terms of their younger, active years; they do not regret what they did, as much as wht they did not do. I share those regrets.
GOD KNOWS I HAVE TO LOVE YOU, BUT WHY DO YOU M AKE IT SO DIFFICULT TO LIKE YOU?
March 9, 2003 8:15 AM ET
You have neighbors and I have neighbors, but how far must we go to endure the anxieties they cause us?
CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD AND THE BIRDS OF THE AIR; HURRY AND WORRY!
February 23, 2003 6:02 PM ET
Yesterday afternoon I spent time with a couple in their 80's who have been married sixty-tow years. In their years together they have bought and sold several homes, raised three children, gone to Europe twice and have made thousands of decisions together. And now, Marian, the wife, is going into the hospital for tests and possibly be given two pints of blood.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LONLINESS
February 6, 2003 7:25 AM ET
Are you and I responsible for the lonliness in our everyday community? I was going to write EVERYDAY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, but I do know that God does not "card" us in relation to our faith tradition so the question is wide open!
AS I WALK THE TIGHTROPE OF LIFE AND MEET FRIENDS, ARE THEY LAUGHING WITH ME?
January 27, 2003 5:19 PM ET
Does this sound like you? You wake up without the help of the alarm, swing your arthritic legs out of bed and as your feet come in contact with the floor, you ask, "God, are you sure You want to walk with me or be seen with me today?" And then the pangs of lonliness and indecision set in!
WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE DAYS WHEN FOLKS WOULD SAY, "YOU COULD BE A POSTER CHILD"?
January 21, 2003 8:50 AM ET
As you thumb through your morning newspaper, watch the news on television or catch a glimpse of yourself in the hallway mirror, do you wonder what happened to those good feelings we used to have when neighbors and strangers would comment on our good looks? When teachers would compliment us on our good study habits and the minister, priest or rabbi would tell us he (or she) was proud of us?
HOW WILL THEY KNOW YOU STILL LOVE THEM IF YOU DON'T TELL THEM?
January 12, 2003 1:20 PM ET
Would you believe I have know her for over thirty-eight years? When I first met her, she was a religious sister who had recently moved out of the convent with another sister and they had rented an apartment together. It was an emotionally painful time for them both as they had also selected to wear secular clothes, which meant they no longer would be identifiable in the habit religious women wore. During those early days, we spent a lot of time talking about God's Call and where we believed -- after much prayer -- He was sending us. It was at that first time that I began my diaconal studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
YES, I WANT TO GIVE A GIFT, BUT CAN I REALLY AFFORD TO?
December 23, 2002 6:00 AM ET
The struggle we all face at this time of the year is wanting to give back to someone as an outward sign or manifestation of our appreciation. The list is long and the credit cards are often maxed-out. But we still have those feelings! In our struggle and the need to hold back those feelings, we often forget that the greatest gift to give this holiday season is kindness, compassion and the courage to give encouragement.
DON’T LOOK NOW BUT PREJUDICE JUST CREPT INTO MY CHRISTMAS!
December 19, 2002 7:18 AM ET
Congratulate me! I just finished writing my final Christmas card. Every year I go through the same procedure: I pull out all the Christmas cards I have saved from last year and look at the return address labels. And then I toss six or eight cards into the wastebasket because I have not heard from so-in-so all year OR they did not speak to me in the supermarket last June OR when I telephoned in August and left a message on their voicemail, they did not return my call.
YOU MAY BE LOOKING TO GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT...
December 10, 2002 6:14 AM ET
If you enjoy American history, you may have read one of the many novels written about what went on behind the scenes as Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Ben Franklin, George Washington and the others went through to hand over to each of us, a country blessed with the gift of freedom. You may have read, also, about the fear and the worry that our forefathers endured.
DON'T ASK ME TO LIFT ANOTHER TURKEY, THERE WILL BE NO COOKIES OR CARDS, EITHER!
December 10, 2002 5:59 AM ET
We call it fear of the Holidays. We also call it Christmas "burnout".Whatever you call it, the symptoms are universal. Especially for those who are over sixty years old, have suffered the feelings of self-imposed slavery in a kitchen (listening to raucous laughter from the family room) with perspiration running down one's brow.
DON'T SEND MONEY, DON'T SEND FLOWERS BUT WRITE TO ME, IF YOU LOVE ME!
November 18, 2002 5:47 AM ET
What has happened to that gift each of us has been given to put our good wishes and words of condolences in print? Where is that letter you promised me? As you and I were growing up, we were told of the importance of writing to relatives and friends to let them know what is happening in our everyday lives. If you love me, if you care about me, write and let me know.
WHEN YOU LET ME KNOW YOU NEED ME, I'M GLAD TO BE THERE FOR YOU
November 4, 2002 2:42 PM ET
Six weeks ago, I received a telephone call from the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council which I have belonged to for many years. I have not been active, but I have been available. The Grand Knight told me about Mike.
THE CHANGES IN HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY SCARY...
October 29, 2002 4:57 AM ET
When you were younger, what did you use to do to celebrate Halloween? We did not decorate the house with orange lights and monster faces, but the passing out of candy from the time the sky turned dark until everybody who was on the street was well "fed". We hated to turn off the porch light as it signaled that the celebration had come to an end.
IF I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER, WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE MY SISTER?
October 21, 2002 7:32 PM ET
Is it just my imagination, or are families unpredictable?
EVEN ARTHUR GODFREY COULD PLAY IT ON HIS UKELELE...
October 14, 2002 8:41 AM ET
Do you remember that old song from the '50's, "YOU KEEP ME WAITIN' TIL IT'S GETTIN' AGGRAVATIN'"? Well, I have a friend who keeps me humming that song while I stand in the window and wait.
KEEPING CHRISTIANITY IN TELELMARKETING TELEPHONE CALLS
October 7, 2002 9:29 AM ET
Just a few minutes ago as I was preparing to write, my telephone rang and it was a telemarketer asking me what brand of breath mints I use. It did not take long into the conversation for me to determine that the call was also a commercial as the young voice on the other end of the telephone was trying to convince me toward one particular brand. I was polite to her, but I must admit that she did get on my nerves. In these situations, I choose not to get nasty or use expletives or bang down the receiver of the telephone.
But sometimes that response comes from the telemarketer's direction:
LET'S EMBRACE RESPONSIBILITY TOGETHER...
September 16, 2002 10:15 PM ET
You and I meet people on a daily basis in our environment who are abused and in need. They may not verbally complain but we see the outward signs and can "read" their needs in their body language.
What should we look for?
HOW DO YOU DARE MAKE ME SO ANGRY?
September 10, 2002 8:58 PM ET
This past week, I found myself attempting to bring peace between two aging sisters. The problem did not start just this week, but has been "festering" for several months.
WHY CAN'T LIFE STAY THE WAY IT WAS WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND IGNORANT?
September 4, 2002 12:20 AM ET
Earlier this week, a young mother from my parish whose 14 year old son is moving up to 9th grade, telephoned me with the results of his pre-admission physical for school. She said she was uncomfortable about something that happened and asked if I would help her.
IF I WANT JESUS TO WATCH ME, I HAD BETTER DO SOMETHING TO GET HIS ATTENTION!
August 19, 2002 5:46 AM ET
No matter what our faith tradition, we all have been told at one time or another that our God is a God of suprises. We probably also remember hearing that God wants us to remain open to serving as His instrument. How else can kindness and charity be distributed if we don't help to give it away?
WHERE CAN I GO WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN AND MY NUMBER'S UP?
August 4, 2002 10:14 PM ET
When I was just a young boy, I remember my grandmother saying on numerous occasions, "It's hell to get old." And my mother would respond, "But Mama, you have so much to live for. You have a good place to live, your children and grandchildren love you and I love you." But my grandmother would say it again several days later.
My being young with no life experience, I did not understand. But now I do, at least a little bit better. And yesterday I had an experience which gave me living proof.
GOD NEVER GIVES US MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE, BUT LET ME TELL YOU...
July 26, 2002 10:44 PM ET
When I moved to Michigan in October, 1960, I was so frightened and unsure of myself that I used to walk home from school, a distance of about two miles, just so I could get my bearings in relation to directions. Once I found my way, walking that distance became good therapy for me to deal with the grief of moving from my hometown. Even though I did not know that the feelings I was experiencing were called grieving feelings.
WHAT MAKES SOME PEOPLE DO WHAT THEY DO?
July 15, 2002 11:56 PM ET
A few weeks ago while driving on my way to Commerce Township, I spotted on the road ahead of me an adult opossum trying hurriedly to cross the freeway. I applied my brakes on my car and smiled to myself as I passed, as it is seldom that an opossum moves quickly. In my rear view mirror I notice a car about one block behind me, I kept my eye on both the car and the opossum to see the small animal continue to move briskly. But I did not have long to watch:
CAN GOD FORGIVE THE HUMAN PART OF OUR HUMANITY?
July 8, 2002 1:34 PM ET
Do you sometimes look back on your childhood and remember the faces of your former neighbors? How about the faces of your parent's friends? Do you wonder if you will see those faces in heaven? Although my parents were divorced when I was young, I do remember many of the faces of my mother's friends. There was Mrs. Iserman, Mrs. Perrault, Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Johnson and then there was Mrs. Rheinberger and her husband.
MONEY MAKES ME LAUGH; DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE PRIVOLITY?
July 1, 2002 8:58 AM ET
The other day I was reading a newspaper article about how some people like to cheat when it comes to paying Michigan sales tax.
HERE IN DETROIT, YOU CAN BELIEVE THAT MERCY IS MORE THAN A UNIVERSITY
June 25, 2002 5:59 AM ET
Do you find it interesting that, sometimes when you meet with friends to discuss one topic, another topic drifts into the conversation and everyone has a valid opinion? That happened to me the other day.
A CHANGE IN TIME
June 17, 2002 8:05 AM ET
You know Vera. I have known Vera for many years. She has always been an important part of her community and active in organizations which have made a difference and helped people who were in need. But now Vera has some needs.
THE GOLDEN RULE DRIVES ME NUTS!
June 14, 2002 11:29 AM ET
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to do good to others when, it seems, they don't do you any good!
YOU WILL KNOW I APPRECIATE YOU WHEN I ENDORSE AND CASH YOUR GIFT CHECK...
June 2, 2002 9:27 PM ET
When I was in the growing-up stage of my adolescence, I was introduced to my Aunt Marie, my mother's older sister. Aunt Marie always wanted things done correctly, according to her definition of "correct". Each Christmas, she would send a large box of wrapped Christmas gifts; usually two for each person in our family. And she wanted to see in print our gratitude to her that she had taken the time to wrap and send gifts. I learned the hard way about her expectation in receiving a "thank you" note.
THERE IS NO OTHER LIKE A MOTHER ...
May 27, 2002 11:39 PM ET
What did you do for Mother's Day? Go out for dinner? Buy mom a corsage? Call her long distance? Send her a card? Buy her a new dress or other gift? Even though my mother is Home in Eternal Life, I like to keep HER day alive by doing something for someone who has not had the privilege of being a mother. This year I did something with and for a 92 year old friend and parishioner from my former parish assignment.
BLESSED ARE THE PATIENT FOR THEY SHALL INHERIT THE WINNER'S CIRCLE
May 20, 2002 6:09 AM ET
Last Saturday when I woke up and got into the shower, I knew I had a full day ahead of me. At the moment of that thinking, I was proud of myself because I knew I was ahead of schedule. Then the telephone rang.
KEEPING THE WINNERS WINNING THE GAME OF LIFE
May 15, 2002 8:36 PM ET
As we look back on our lives, it's interesting to see how negative comments made to each of us have been counteracted by others and that we grew into the successful people we are today.
THE PAIN OF DISMANTLING A HOUSE FULL OF TREASURES...
May 7, 2002 9:04 PM ET
Last Sunday I was invited to have brunch with a group of senior citizens who live in a large assisted living facility. I have been their guest in the past, so it is always a good experience for me. Especially when someone new joins the group.
MAY I PAY FOR SOMEONE'S HAPPINESS WITH MY AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD? THANK YOU!
April 15, 2002 6:13 AM ET
This past week I telephoned a parishioner who, I know, has two teenage students home from school. Knowing how kids love to go out for dinner -- especially for pizza -- I asked if I could pick the mother and the two kids up that evening so that she would not have to cook and they would have some fun.
HOW DO WE ADJUST TO FEELINGS OF DISAPPOINTMENT?
April 2, 2002 10:50 PM ET
As we move toward the quiet retirement years of our lives, we embrace new resolutions. We want to continue to be of help to those we love. And as we make our plans, we experience a feeling we did not expect: Disappointment.
OH, GOD, PLEASE SHARE MY PAIN!
March 27, 2002 9:08 PM ET
Will anyone of us who has ever been through that painful experience of hearing the doctor say, "There is nothing more that we can do. I give your loved one (his/her guess) months to live. Maybe weeks."
MANIPULATING MR. MORTON
March 19, 2002 6:14 AM ET
Each time I hear about a senior citizen being taken advantage of, I remember a friend of mine who, during his college years, was a "taker".
MAY I HELP YOU OR ARE YOU BEYOND HELP?
March 10, 2002 8:54 PM ET
You and I have people earmarked in our everyday environment who, we feel, need help and intervention. And my experience is that when I reach out to them, they choose to snap at my welcoming hand (and me) or walk away and continue to keep doing what they are doing.
LONELINESS MAY KILL BUT YOUR FRIENDSHIP GIVES BIRTH
March 3, 2002 9:54 PM ET
For as far back as I can remember, I have come in contact with lonely people. When I was eight years old there was Mrs. Hazelhune who moved in next door. She had been in a psychiatric hospital and was afraid of meeting new friends. But she was my friend and I was her friend, and eventually we both grew out of what we had been. Then there was Grandma Suech.
"MY SISTER SMELLS OF URINE, WHAT CAN I DO?"
February 26, 2002 11:17 PM ET
Last Friday I received a desperate telephone call from a woman whom I had helped at the time of her husband's illness. Our home health care agency wa providing the nursing, physical therapy, psychiatric social work and home health aide assistance. The patient's family was most pleased with the quality of care their husband and father was receiving.
HE DOESN'T LIKE ME, SO WHY SHOULD I LIKE HIM?
February 21, 2002 11:19 PM ET
Isn't it interesting that with all the friends we make, we have a hard time forgetting those people we meet who, we think, don't like us.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: EUCHARIST
February 11, 2002 5:43 AM ET
No matter what our Christian faith tradition is: Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal-- the Easter season is fast approaching. And we have much to celebrate in the victory of Eternal Life.
WHAT COULD YOU DO TO MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE?
February 4, 2002 7:21 AM ET
You and I have friends we have had for a long time. One of my friends, a man named Kevin, taught me something over 15 years ago which I have never forgotten.
LIVING THROUGH THE LENGTHY DYING PROCESS OF SOMEONE YOU LOVE!
January 28, 2002 6:03 AM ET
What pain. What anger. What loneliness. What guilt!
TAKING THE RISK OF TOUCHING OTHERS WITH YOUR TOUCH
January 20, 2002 10:48 PM ET
As a young boy, I was blessed by having older people in my everyday life. My grandmother, whom we called Teetaw, lived with us and most every Sunday afternoon, Aunt Mayme and Cousin May would come to play a card game called "smear" and share dinner with us at our big dining room table. Aunt Mayme always sat at the head of the table and Cousin May sat to the left of me. My parents were divorced so only my brother, "Nono", and I were the men at the table.
WHY DO I RISK LOSING ART BY NOT WRITING LETTERS?
January 14, 2002 11:10 PM ET
Writing letters to Art, or any of your other friends has become a lost art.
HOW DO YOU BE A GOOD FRIEND?
January 7, 2002 5:59 AM ET
Assertiveness... Aggressiveness... Lack of Humility... Bullying. How do each of the above affect you?
WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE CAREGIVER?
December 30, 2001 9:34 PM ET
If you will soon have the responsibility for choosing a non-family member caregiver, one you must hire and supervise, allow me to tell you of my experience.
FORGIVENESS: NOT ONLY FROM GOD, BUT FROM YOURSELF
December 24, 2001 12:08 AM ET
When you feel you are estranged from God, what action do you take?
PUTTING YOUR CHRISTIANITY INTO PRACTICE
December 16, 2001 1:19 PM ET
You and I never know when we are going to be called upon to put our Christianity into practice. It happened to me this past Wednesday night.
AUNT CHARLOTTE-A GOER AND A DOER
December 11, 2001 8:00 AM ET
Receiving personal notes with Christmas cards is a good experience for me. Does it sort of irritate you when you receive just a signed card and no note? Or maybe a card with a generic boring letter about past summer vacations and news about people you have never met? For me, it's just one rung above being forgotten at Christmas!
PATIENCE AND THE POWER OF PRAYER
December 3, 2001 11:25 AM ET
Do you like true stories that have a happy ending? Then you are going to like what I am about to write to you.
Paula is now 70 years old with many physical problems but when I first met her, it was in the hospital when her third husband, Art, was dying of cancer. It was obvious how much they loved one another and how Art was grieving to have to leave Paula. But it was not until after his death, after the funeral that I sat down with Paula to allow her to "vent" her feelings of adjustment to life without Art.
FEEDING THE HUNGER OF LONELINESS
November 25, 2001 11:10 PM ET
We are called to feed the hungry. But where do we find hungry people? When we are just small children, we learned that when we felt pain in our stomach, it was probably our body's way of letting us know that we needed the nourishment of food. But as we grew to adulthood, it becomes clearer that hunger comes in other forms. Like the hunger of lonliness.
Allow me to tell you about Lucille and what lonliness has done in her life.
HUMOR A GIFT THAT IS A DELIGHT TO RECEIVE; FUN TO GIVE
November 12, 2001 12:00 PM ET
A few years ago I met a 105-year young Jewish woman who lived in a senior citizen hi-rise and was most generous with her natural gift of humor. I met Rose when a nurse referred me on a Spiritual Care Consult to visit with her and help her understand why God was allowing her to live so long. Rose seemed to be troubled with this question.
