Wanda's Wacky Wonderful World

  Help me! Life was probably more hectic and painful than it had ever been. Most of our days were spent back and forth from the hospital. My dad was in end-stage heart and kidney failure. Watching him struggle and knowing he was nearing the end of his days; we were determined he would never be alone.  We took turns spending the nights with him and worried about our little momma; who would rarely leave his bedside.   I breathed a sigh of relief as I settled into my recliner on this particular evening; I needed to unwind before I could go to bed. I had caught a glance at several texts from the kids and needed to read them more thoroughly.  We had five grandchildren and loved all the little pictures and videos their parents sent throughout the day. I giggled as I watched a video from Amanda. Their youngest daughter Sydney was strumming a pink guitar and singing her little heart out.   I showed my husband, Jeff,   and we watched it several times. Although we co...

I found my place on the sand; away from everyone at the retreat. Just needing some space - a chance to breathe. The October sun was warm but the wind held a chill, so I burrowed into my beach blanket. I had arrived at our annual prayer retreat in a mental fog. Exhausted on every level. I secretly felt sorry for the 30 women there with me - pretty sure I was not going to be very good company. I loved each of them dearly, but felt like only a fragment of who I was had arrived this year. I slipped away for some alone time… hoping no one had followed or noticed.  This was my place. The ocean is my therapy. The momentum and rhythm of the waves is like medicine to my soul. I can imagine with every wave - the stress and tension leaving my body.  The seagull edged closer to me, keeping a close eye. I could tell he was waiting for a crumb or morsel of food. I had nothing with me. I felt irritation in the pit of my stomach… Seriously? Is there no place I can go without feeling like s...