My mom’s unexpected passing last fall has been a challenging adjustment to say the least. Settling her estate, making arrangements, taking care of my kids as well as my own emotions has been overwhelming. It’s only recently that I’ve begun to decompress which has led to a deep sadness and mild depression including a feeling …
The sound of the Facetime shattered the morning silence. It was Megan. It was 7am. Nothing good has ever followed a call this early from her. Nothing. At 16, it was a car accident shortly after getting her license. At 18, a season ending ankle sprain her freshman year of college. My mind raced. Now …
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I cannot help but think about my mom and how this year we won’t “see” her. It certainly will be different as her sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts and an “empty” seat at the table. Yet, as I reflect more, I am so grateful for what …
Life is short. How will you spend it? What will you do? Who will you help? What impact will you have on others? What is the purpose of life? All questions I was faced with when I sat down to write my mom’s obituary after her sudden death… MILFORD – Carol Ann Ferguson Rumenapp, 72, …
As I stood on the shore gazing across the water, a woman walking by abruptly stopped and asked “what are you looking at?” I paused, taken off guard by the question. “The lake”, I replied. “Why, is there something out there?” She asked. Again, I paused. Surprised by her question and more surprised that …
I love the lake. Each day my morning routine includes getting up at sunrise and walking to the lake near my home. This 3 mile loop is when I do my best thinking and primes my mindset with “gratitude”. Gratitude for my life. For my blessings. For my family, friends, health, career and so much …
The coronavirus has changed the world. It has changed our lives. It has brought fear, sadness and disruption to our thoughts, emotions and the certainty we once had in our daily routine. Some have lost their faith. Some have lost their patience. Many have lost their loved ones. Life will be “different” from here on …
Just a quick note to check in and pass along my thoughts and prayers that you and your family are safe and healthy during this challenging time in our lives and the world I encourage you to stay “present” with your family. To be aware of the meaning your are giving to this experience To …
Birthdays are mile markers in our lives. Matthew’s recent 13th birthday proved to be no less significant and served as a reminder that part of celebrating the first things in life is appreciating the “lasts”. We have a tradition of taking the kids out for a birthday dinner. This usually involves them choosing the restaurant …
With the holidays upon us and the year coming to an end, a much overdo trip to see my mom before Christmas reminded me to be mindful of the things that drive me in life… As an adult, I don’t get back to my childhood hometown during the Christmas season much anymore. Thankfully, this year …