One of my favorite Bible stories is that of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Her grief still fresh and sharp, she believes a visit to Jesus’ burial site promises a private space to mourn. But when Mary arrives, the stone has been rolled away. The perfume still lingers, but the grave is empty, save … Continue reading Eyes for Easter
hope
Advice to myself at the close of a pandemic
Be gentle with yourself. // Listen closely to your heart ...
The alchemy of delight
It's raining again. Gray drenches the sky and crimson leaves confetti slick sidewalks. I sit in my orange writing chair finishing an assignment when my preschooler pretzels his body over mine, presses his face in close and demands, "Dance with me! Dance with me!"
some signs of hope in 2020 (a list)
dogs, especially puppies, the friend who texted, “everything ok?” when you didn’t show up...
How to survive a pandemic without losing it
The lightning bugs are gone. They’ve been replaced by the cicadas — blaring their calls of chicka-chicka, chicka-chicka, zaazz, zaazz. There are legions of cicadas, I suspect, hiding in the evergreens that overlook our backyard and in old oaks that line our neighborhood, aptly named Forest Glen. Some other writer might romanticize their singing, but … Continue reading How to survive a pandemic without losing it
Something of value
“There’s no treasure here,” my son said, shaking his head while we strolled city sidewalks...
Saving daylight — with him
Whenever I replay it in my mind, the scene starts here: Me at the rear car door, hovering. Him with his head craned back, stalling.
Contagion
Your hands are raw from multiple washings. In the span of three days, your inbox was flooded with warnings: “School Health Update”; “Office Closure”; “Parenting in the time of Coronavirus”; “Coronavirus in preschoolers: Symptoms and what you need to know.” This is the one that scared you: “Coronavirus updates: More lockdowns are starting.” The St. … Continue reading Contagion
Erin Strybis 