As the automatic doors slide to my left and right, the words “Assisted” and “Living” disappear.  Stepping into the lobby, the antiseptic air attempts to override the odors of urine and old age.  Already warm, I peel off my jacket; hot air seems to be blowing at my fa/… Read full post »

I hate showers.  Not the water kind, but the bridal and baby kind. Some women love them; they enjoy socializing with other invitees, playing games and sharing in the bride-to-be or expectant mom’s joy.  I used to enjoy them; taking a few hours out of the day to acknowledge an upcoming/… Read full post »

It started like it always did, as soon as I got home from work on Friday.   “Hi! Are you going out tonight?” My mother’s shrill voice carried from the rear of the house to the front door.  Here we go, I thought.  I made my way back to the kitchen and/… Read full post »

Sipping his post-dinner coffee, my father sits at one of his facility’s dining tables.  Handsome still at 87, his white hair is slicked back, curling slightly behind his ears.  He’s dressed in his blue sports jacket, a dotted silk square peeking out of the top pocket.  A ca/… Read full post »

Tiny Tears

I shouldn’t have said yes when Joanne called my house that morning.  “We’re all making clothing for our Barbies - want to come over?” she asked.  I bit my lower lip and hesitated.  I have no Barbie; I shouldn’t go, I thought.  My ten year/… Read full post »