children, Family, inspiration, Life, Loss, parenting, Poetry, Writing

Ham Biscuits

Don't promise me when you know, I know, there are no guarantees that the mountain leaves will still cling to trees if we drive up this weekend. A weekend is a hope and a promise; a date when they promise to send you a check. Did you ever wait in a place for someone to… Continue reading Ham Biscuits

children, Family, FUN, inspiration, Joy, parenthood, Photography, Uncategorized, Writing

The Funny Memories I Miss

If you knew Corrie, then there are thousands of memories to miss. If you have gotten to know her through my writing and flowers, then you witness her effect on one person. There are moments that hit me, and I  cry. The fact is Corrie would not want me to stay in bed and sob.… Continue reading The Funny Memories I Miss

autism, children, Family, Grief, inspiration, kindness, Life, parenting, Photography

When We Face what is Broken

Maybe it is cliche, but: Have you ever stopped and thought about broken glass on a floor? Of course, immediately after we think of cleaning every part of the floor, ensuring broken pieces are in a dust pan, and that no one walks in as you clean up. Maybe after you feel the loss of… Continue reading When We Face what is Broken

Family, inspiration, Life, Loss

How does Corrie’s Garden Grow?

When Corrie earned her wings, we requested everyone donate live plants for a memorial garden. John, my father, sister-in-law and I had to divide the work for Corrie's Memorial Garden up into phases. We had offers of help, and we wanted to call upon volunteers who were willing to give their time without overusing it.… Continue reading How does Corrie’s Garden Grow?

Family, inspiration, Life, parenthood, Poetry, Writing

Did you know my Corrie Belle?: a Corrie Poem

If you know my daughter, you know her impact is such as legends make of kings.

Family, inspiration, Life, parenting, Photography, Photos, Poetry, Writing

October and a Part of “Sweet Sixteen,” a Corrie Poem

Six minus one is five, and at sixteen, we seldom realize destinies are nothing more than beautiful orange and yellow leaves cleaving to branches in late October before they fall in a river bank.

Advocacy, children, Family, inspiration, kindness, parenthood, Photography, Photos, Writing

Infant Girl Houser’s Grave is Important, too

Her grave is important, too.

children, Family, Loss, nature, parenthood, Photography, Photos

The Green Spaces of the World: Many Pictures

When I've lost myself, or my mind, I find it again in nature.

autism, children, Communication, Family, inspiration, Life, marriage, Mental Health, parenthood, Poetry, Writing

“Mommy, What Does Love Look Like”: Stories Imagined and Stories Told

When the darkest hour was not done and the mud feel from the mountain, yes, I slid. The tears came, and my anger, without a mercy for which a Christian sinner prays, set ablaze for those who demanded when they'd received. I collapsed upon the green shores where you once played and asked for such stories of mine. Then your father came home with your brother, and found me quiet ...

Family, Life, parenthood, Poetry, Writing

Gold of No Use Except to Me: a Short Corrie Poem

You said, "But Mommy, I want to go into the woods, too."