My mantle is empty. The neighbors lights are gone. The melodramatic daily hum has filled up days. Christmas is over. I looked at my mantle: a wasteland of disappointment. “Guess I’ll be looking at this blank canvas for another 11 months.” Then it hit me…MOM’S MANTLE! I pick fun at my mother. Each season or holiday is welcomed with… Read More
My son needed new shoes. He didn’t want new shoes. He liked his old ones, but they were too small. Miracle League had a bowling day, and I decided we would bowl for an hour and then shoe shop. Children with autism need to know what is happening and what comes next. For 2 days, I told him the… Read More
My paternal grandfather was one of the most well-rounded people I’ve known. He was charming, witty, well read, smart, talented, and, my favorite, funny. He was not stingy with his smile. It was one of those smiles encompassing the entirety of his face. It illuminated a room. He loved a good joke or story. Even if his story was… Read More
Juneko. She was an acquaintance of mine. We were once friends, but time and distance separated us from building our close friendship. Even so, knowing she was on this earth, walking around and smiling, gave me great peace. When she died, the emptiness I felt was curious to me. She was not a part of my everyday life. We barely… Read More
Dear State of Alabama Legislators, I am a rule follower. I have never been arrested. I have never had a speeding ticket. I am a rule follower. Careful is the best way to describe how I act and react to most situations. This all changed yesterday. I began to notice the difference between “careful” and “courageous” in the leaders we… Read More
It was inevitable. “Autumn, why does Asher talk so funny?” The little girl who spoke these words was not some stranger’s child. It wasn’t a kid from school or church. The little girl who spoke these words has my heart. She has since before she was born. Cristine (a.k.a Cris) and I met many years ago when my husband and I… Read More
