Tuesday was my birthday. The kids were all home because of Hurricane Sandy. We only got a lot of rain so we still had power, which is nice since we tend to lose power at least once each winter, and sometimes summer storms as well. The county, for a reason that escapes me, canceled school through Tuesday on Sunday morning. …
The Funniest Names I Ever Heard
About a year ago, in the car, Emma mentioned that she had mispronounced a classmate’s name that morning and the girl had become quite angry. I responded that I was surprised she was not more forgiving. “After all, in this area there are so many unusual names. It’s not like everyone is named Bill or Sally.” Suddenly, from the back …
A Thousand Tiny Memories
I remember the first time I felt like I had officially joined “The Moms’ Club.” I went out to eat with a girlfriend. I took Emma along—she was a couple years old. As I searched in my purse for a pen to sign the check, I could find only a few crayons. I was quite excited, and I’m sure the …
21 Questions
People often lose their common sense when faced with an adopted baby. I have heard the most ridiculous comments. A smattering: When we brought MC home, people would hear our story and then whisper, “Are you gonna tell her she’s adopted?” I’d answer, “I’m thinking she’ll figure it out whether we do or not.” When we brought home DK and …
Ode to Delta Airlines
Flying home from the conference reminded me of bringing home MC from Kazakhstan. We were in Kaz for three weeks when we adopted her. It had been a long trip, and at one point I even panicked and thought we might end up going home without her. When we finally got to the airport, I was unbelievably relieved. John has …
Just Who Do You Belong To?
Living in a multicultural family leads to some funny moments. While John and I were both gone this weekend—a rare occurrence—Emma had to drive down and play chauffeur. Early Saturday morning, she took MC an hour away to a softball doubleheader. A few hours later, she and her boyfriend, who is first-generation Vietnamese, dropped JT off at a TKD demo, went back …
There be Normals Out There
Writers are not normal people. I’ve been at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference for the last several days. 675 like-minded people. The Hyatt Regency in Dallas wisely locked us in the basement held all our classes on the lowest floor. A friend of mine told me that once at her daughter’s gymnastics class she suddenly asked, “If I …
The High Cost of Unforgiveness
We visited the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History a few months ago. It happened to be the 60th anniversary of America’s decision to place Japanese-Americans in internment camps during World War II. There was a large board standing near the entrance to the exhibit with 5×7 posit-it notes and Sharpies nearby, inviting guests to share their thoughts on the decision. …
Circle of Friends?
My daughter started college this week. Last week was orientation. One day they gathered the 435 freshmen, arranged them in a circle, and drilled into them that this was their new “community.” A “diversity expert” asked them quite personal questions and they were to step inside the circle if the questions were true for them. Questions like, “Were you abused …
Blame God!
If tomorrow a brilliant scientist came up with a cure for all cancer, one that was quick, easy and universally affordable, would the media and general public say, “Wow, look what God has done! See what he has given us!” I strongly doubt it. No, we would be shouting, “Man has conquered disease! We rock!” Whenever something good happens, when …