Graduation

Posted on June 22, 2019June 22, 2019 by Laurel Archer

Emma recently ‘graduated’ from High School. I say ‘graduated’ but of course she didn’t really – that term is awarded rather specifically to one who has earned the h... Read More

Mothers/Daughters

Posted on May 11, 2019May 11, 2019 by Laurel Archer

black whiteshade lighthidden seengrey between mother daughterearth waterbirthing borntearing torn spoken heardmusic wordsmirror metry see daughter mothersame otherclothed dressedpulled ... Read More

Liturgy – Pass the Peace

Posted on January 9, 2019January 9, 2019 by Laurel Archer

Today I had a hard day and it was because Emma, my daughter was struggling. Emma is strong and has always been strong. So, when her world is complicated by illness, or hormonal spikes, or who knows wh... Read More

Holding you close

Posted on December 16, 2018December 16, 2018 by Laurel Archer

In the middle of this Advent season, I had to take Emma for blood work.  Well, actually it should have been done two months ago, but I was procrastinating because of the effort that must be put i... Read More

Best Case

Posted on October 28, 2018October 28, 2018 by Laurel Archer

We went on a holiday last week. This one week, away from our children, has become a welcome rhythm for the last 10 or so years.  Nothing has ever happened while we’ve been gone and I’m gl... Read More

Your birthday

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Laurel Archer

Today would have been my Mom’s 92nd birthday.  She lived all of her almost 92 years and today I can’t help but spend some time thinking about her, missing her. Birthday Gift I’ll take ... Read More

Beautiful

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Laurel Archer

I have participated in a summer reading group with a wonderful group of women for quite a few years now.  This year we are working through poems of Mary Oliver and the conversation is satisfying, hel... Read More

Benediction

Posted on June 1, 2018December 26, 2018 by Laurel Archer

Benediction All my life she told me stories, not tales, but histories. I only half listened, as her words wound around like scissors cutting out paper dolls. Then she’d clothe them in honour introdu... Read More

Gathering Night

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Laurel Archer

This morning I travel to see my mom again.  I’ve made this trip many times, but this time may be the last time.  She suffered a severe stroke a few days ago and isn’t recovering.  IR... Read More

A Sonnet for Emma

Posted on December 28, 2017December 27, 2017 by Laurel Archer

I have a brother who celebrates his birthday during the Christmas season and he suffered a little as a child, feeling his day was washed out by the bigger celebration of Christmas.  Since my daughter... Read More