In a couple of weeks, I turn 50. I have sat at the computer for hours, staring at the empty screen trying to find the right words to express my thoughts about reaching this milestone. You see, I’m a bit confused as to how I am supposed to feel about turning the Big 5-O and how I am supposed to celebrate this momentous occasion! While I am leaning toward the idea of throwing … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: Stepping Back and Letting Them Fly … LITERALLY!
I’m an overprotective mom by nature. Seriously, it’s genetic, a horrible attribute passed down from a domineering Jewish mama who got it from her own “smother” and so on. The only difference between me and my ancestors is that I am aware of this trait and try to make a conscious effort every day to not allow my innate desire to wrap my kids in bubble wrap and hide … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: What Would You Tell Your 16-Year-Old Self?
My sweet baby girl will be turning 16 in a few weeks. I’m not sure when it happened, but somehow, I blinked and when I opened my eyes this chubby-cheeked toddler was suddenly a beautiful young woman. I desperately want to bestow words of wisdom on my daughter, allow her to benefit from the mistakes I have made along the way. But I know I would not have listened to anything … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: My Son Is Graduating, and I Feel…
My son walks into my office and tosses a school permission slip onto my desk the way he has so many other times over the past 12 years of school, 13 if we count kindergarten. Before I can reach for it to see where he is off to this time, he walks back in and grabs it back. “I just realized,” he says with a smirk, “I’m 18 now and can sign this myself!” And just like that, my … [Read more...]
Mama’s Turn: Saying Goodbye to My Childhood Home
Dear Old House, Well, the time has finally come. In a few short weeks, we will finally be closing on you. This is the last piece of business that we must do to wrap up my parents’ estate. In a way, I guess it is also the last little piece of them. To the outside world, I know you look like just an old, rundown ranch-style home. But to me, you were so much more. You … [Read more...]