We must write what we know. Every one of us needs to find family history and personal reasons to take up the pen to fight and politically pressure rational negotiations and agreements at all costs so as to save our sons and daughters. Perhaps then our memoirs can become less about reflections on war.
His Birthday and the Long Death of My Brother
I am sad that I cannot make a chocolate upside down birthday cake for you. I am happy you are no longer in pain. I am still angry that I am alone and that you and my other brothers all abandoned me in this life. I am telling your story as best I can. It has been 49 years since you were blown up on your damn birthday.
The Personal Nature of Politics
Those who know me fairly well, or know me over time, will know that I have strong political beliefs. Those who do not know me but have read recent pieces I have written may be surprised that I would talk politics when my brother is in hospice and his life weighs so heavily on my […]
A Milan Kundera Day
Today I am struggling with being and nothingness. My mind travels from the bleak, drenching, 21st Century Arizona rain to artful black and white photos my mother never snapped of pans filled with shelled peas my brother and I had spent hours extricating from pods on an Indiana, summer afternoon. Creativity allows me to examine an imaginary […]
Destination Truth and "Rock" Apes
I hope to see my brother in a week or so when I pass through Indiana. I have two brothers who are still alive and living in Northeastern Indiana, and I actually want to see them both. But I digress, as I am want to do. I really want to talk to my brother who […]
Veteran's Day
Veterans Day, once Armistice Day, on 11-11-11 and I’ve spent the day trying not to think too much about the veterans in my life. My husband is traveling and I miss him. Two of my brothers served in the military. Thinking about their service makes me sad. One, the elder of the two was almost […]