A human life carries with it a collection of artifacts- -tokens, mementos and, when time runs out, ashes.   By token, I choose the meaning of a symbol or emblem. Early in our relationship Bruce wistfully requested a token from me. Nothing fancy, he said, maybe...

It’s been an incredible journey, from wife to wife-caretaker to widow, all in such a short number of days. Many duties that arise at the end of life and after the death of a dearly loved one are difficult. Fire-hosed with information and responsibilities during home...

For the first time since I started this blog (this is #197), I missed the weekly posting not once, but twice. You might assume that I took a break for the holidays. Not so. I took a break to take care of Bruce.   Final Illness   Bruce Matley, my husband, the...

The winter holidays have begun. I can’t help but think of those who’ve lost someone dear to them during the year and are now facing the first Christmas or Hanukkah or Solstice or Kwanzaa or Saturnalia without them.  This can be a sad time, but it’s not all sad. Here’s...

*Catdaptation (verb): 1. Adapting your living environment to the needs, wants and desires of one or more cats 2. Adapting your life to the needs, wants and desires of one or more cats Given our four resident cats, Bruce and I have become masters of catdaptation. I’ve...

Thanksgiving Day. The pie is baked, the cranberries are jellied and I’m especially thankful for Bruce who is doing the rest of the cooking. But that was yesterday. Today, you may not have time to read this blog because you’re punishing yourself with the Black Friday...