I arrived in Heaven six hours late. It was dark. My neck muscles were tight with tension. And I was still brooding about the American Express bill I had forgotten to pay. A well-built young man dressed casually in a T-shirt and cargo shorts greeted me at the Gate. I felt my shoulders loosen up Continue reading
Author: Iris Ruth Pastor
Trend Alert: Prejudice Still Thrives
His name was Alfred and he was 21 years old, just like me. He was married with one child, just like me. Unlike me, though, Alfred was a high school drop-out. His father had abandoned the family years ago and his mother died some time after that. And, unlike me, Alfred would die young from Continue reading
New Beginnings are Tantalizing
I was seated in the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was surrounded by a sea of fans wearing red jerseys, red jackets and red hats with a big “C”. I proudly sang the National Anthem, with my right hand over my heart. I eagerly watch my hometown team, The Cincinnati Reds, march Continue reading
The story behind this mundane and ordinary picture will surprise you.
The woman, with her hands lightly resting on the man’s shoulders, is me. I am telling a story about two very seemingly un-momentous and un-connected decisions that nevertheless had lasting consequences. The man is Gary. He and I started dating in 1966 when I was a sophomore transfer student at the University of Florida and Continue reading
What Makes You Happy?
Seeing our kids eat decently certainly brings a glow, but there are lots of other things that make us happy – little things that often go unnoticed in our never ending quest for what’s next – in terms of achievement, material goods, personal enhancement, and professional milestones. Happiness is: An unexpected effort, an Continue reading
Is the constant urge to do better, be better and live better tiring you out?
Betterhumans.coach.me I am a time-efficiency crazy person. My aim is to pack everything I can into every moment. That’s why Fitbit is so satisfying a way to get in my exercise. It’s a device that automatically counts the number of my steps each day. It’s portable—I clip it onto my underpants and check the Fitbit Continue reading
Letters from the Trenches of Widowhood
1989 Dear Sweet Iris, I think of you. I take out your letter, but it’s been difficult to answer. I keep waiting for news, some lovely little tidbit of news which would make you smile. The wait is long. I look. I laugh. I work and sleep. Nice people here in Florida. Nice weather. Nice Continue reading
Meeting an Unforgettable Man
Clipartpanda.com The first time I met Everett he was standing in my living room, painting the walls sage green. His paint can was resting on top of my new Oriental rug. I didn’t stop for introductions or admonitions. I headed straight for the phone and called my husband. “I don’t know who this guy is Continue reading
Help! Are you drowning in minutiae?
Nearify Blog Every three months a super glossy magazine comes out called “Where Women Create – Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women.” Published by Stampington & Company’s Somerset Studio, it’s a delight to the senses – filled with feature articles on women artists – their studios, their back story, their creations, their challenges and their Continue reading
9 Reflections on My Mom Turning 90 Today
1. Here’s a story that more than aptly illustrates my mom’s parenting skills: My mom was always afraid I would get dissipated when I slept over my girlfriend’s houses. This was kind of a joke since in 5th grade I weighed 110 pounds and was 5 foot tall. I was more like an overgrown lummox Continue reading