I am calling this a “reflection” in the sense of being in front of a mirror. This mirror is reflecting to you the mystery of how Christmas was celebrated in my household when I was a child.

My dear Ned passed away last year and this will be my second Holiday Season without him, without his love and support.  I can’t say it’s been easy, rather it’s been rocky, with twists and turns, with ups and downs.

I am a recent widow. It’s been a year and four months since Ned, my beloved husband, passed away. That means that counting on the love of a man with whom I spent 35 years of my life is forever gone.  You could say that we had worked out the kinks in our relationship – something that can only done with time spent together.

I am used to speaking about “we” as in Ned and me.  It’s a custom that goes back several decades.  So, “we”, Ned’s spirit wherever it may be, and I thank you very much for being here today. When Ned and I got married, I was 38 years old and he was 53.  We knew …

My husband says that there are more rocking chairs in Nicaragua, than people, a most necessary piece of furniture in a country with two types of weather – hot and hotter. Their open backs made of wicker or wooden slats allow the heat to escape the body; the swaying movement as you rock circulates the …

My mother came to Findlay from Los Angeles for my graduation.  She looked so pretty with her hair styled up.  She wore a very nice navy blue suit and gloves, dressed beautifully because this was a very proud day for her.  So many hopes and dreams postponed by her who wanted to go to college …

As I had shared in prior Blogs, 1966 was a momentous year for me and the turn to a new life in the United States.  My mother and I arrived in Pittsburgh for my week long training in American culture at Chatham College attended by about 50 students from all over the world. The cost …

To help me during recovery, I hired a health aid, Rosa, recommended to me by a Sutter Healthcare social worker that was providing services to my husband.   She was quite a good find.  I recommend to everyone to make sure that they have the necessary support at home to let go of all the responsibilities …

By now you know that I am a senior citizen.  While I have reminisced about my childhood in Nicaragua, the intentional parenting of which I was the beneficiary and my college days, today I will share with you my experiences getting old. It is a joy to think that the preparation and hard work of …

Mother and Mrs. Magoon When mother and I arrived in Findlay, I was only 18.  My main concerns were learning from my studies as well as from experiencing a different culture and a foreign environment.  So many things were new and interesting: living in a dorm with English speaking friends; learning how to shop for …