Joy is Warm
We are full of good cheer and big smiles. All good things come from God and it’s these milestone moments that are memorable, but were they moments of joy?
The Investment of Time
My older cousin visited us on our recent trip to India. She was thrilled to see our family and wanted to do something nice for us. She tried to take us shopping and buy us some new clothes. Since we were in town for a short break and didn’t need new clothes, I told her…
Brother, Let Me Be Your…. Friend
One Sunday morning as we were spilling out of the church doors, I spotted a friend I hadn’t seen in years—a college buddy I’d known long before I was married. I swooped across the courtyard and was met with one of the giant, warm hugs I remembered so well. Two seconds later—still mid-hug—I began to…
Orchard Memories
Margaret Philbrick spent many summers playing tag in the cherry and apple orchards of northern Wisconsin. Her friend Julie grew up on one of those orchards and her life experiences of harvest and loss inspired this story. ******* Like most things it started with one. Grandma could never throw anything out. Like every Grandma in…
Practicing Vulnerability at Home
Sometimes vulnerability makes me squirm—particularly in my closest relationships and when the stakes are highest. This is ironic, considering that as an author, vulnerability is sort of my jam. Readers who’ve read my very personal memoir have shared their appreciation for my openness and transparency. I poured my heart and soul into that book, as…
When God Opens a Closed, Metal Heart
“You have to come and see Dad,” my sister, Peggy, said. “He’s dying.” My words were also to the point. “No. I ca…an’t.” Stuttering was something new for me. But I found I did it whenever I thought about my father. My words would just get as nervous as I had been the day he…
The Enduring Flavors of Family Culture
Someone may see me in passing, take a glance, and ask, “Where do you come from?” Depending on my mood, I may answer, “I’m from Seattle,” then walk away. Or, if I feel like disclosing more information, I may answer, “My parents are from the Philippines, but I was born here.” It used to bother…
Family Talk
We unthinkingly live the narratives that we are raised with or we rail against them. When you are the parent, you craft the stories. As our children move toward adulthood, we often miss the necessary shift in order to have robust and respectful relationships with these adults we have raised. What does it mean to…
Bermuda Family Meals & Jesus
We were up so early that it was still dark outside. In typical Florida style, the sky was foggy and heavy with dampness. The drive to the airport in my 12-year-old mind was magical; we were setting off on an adventure and moving to Bermuda. This was new for me because though I was born…
The Family Recipe
Prep time: Lifelong Level of difficulty: Challenging Recipe serves: Limitless The first ingredient is people. More than one person is required for the recipe to turn out correctly, although substitutions are possible: non-blood relatives, people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, or friends who morphed into family. Vigorously mix all these ingredients together and…