The mental, spiritual and social changes associated with the breakdown of a marriage.
Redford and Streep. Out of Africa. I wasn't sure Lorraine and others like her — ones who were so despairing of marriage, ones who were so sure their expectations could never be met — understood that it was these small moments of caretaking that meant the most, that forged the real relationship. The way [...]
I dreaded the end of season party for my son's football team. I actually lost sleep over it. Here's why: 1. I didn't know any of the other parents. It was the first middle school team my son had played on and the families came from all different neighborhoods and elementary schools. 2. I was going [...]
We stand in my drop-cloth covered, nothing-in-its-place, kitchen and talk for a good thirty minutes before everyone else arrives. It's early morning and things are still invitingly silent. Phil, the lead painter on my, please let new paint and carpet be all my house needs to sell project, is with me. He shares engaging stories about [...]
Will I always feel a pang of guilt about loving time alone to work and write? Is it possible the best gift I can offer the world lies outside my role as a mother? Baby-sitters allowed me to preserve my sanity, to the extent that I have it. I always had at least three hours [...]
I noticed the tiny lump last Friday as I undressed and got ready for bed, a small rise on my right side just above the top rib. My fingers gently but urgently palpitated the heart-sinking intruder, the little anomaly that I knew would make my mind whirr well into the night. Yes, it was real. No, [...]
I didn't fall apart during or after the divorce like everyone expected. I was worried as hell about how it would affect our children, scared to death about taking care of everything myself (how would I find the energy?) but ultimately not afraid to be alone. I knew I was on my way. I was doing [...]
