My son Is in the hospital with appendicitis 2,000 miles away. He’s 28 years old and living on his own. How do I mother him from here?
My Ever-Changing Family
Meet my changing, shrinking, growing family. Here you'll find stories of married life, little kids, grown-up kids, the empty nest, cousins and ancestors, aging parents, and the view from the second half of life.
Grandparenting Via Webcam — Helping Out Those Frazzled Parents. Sheltering a Home Week 13
Babysitting via webcam: The grandchildren are sheltering at home with their frazzled mom and dad. Can grandparents give parents a break from afar? Read more.
At 78, I Still Have a Lot of Living to Do — Do the Deciders Care? Sheltering at Home Week 8
I’m 78 and I still have a lot of living to do. But I’m feeling marginalized by the coronavirus deciders — corporate leaders, power brokers, TV pundits. Read more.
A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri
We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.
Kids and Money: A Six-Year-Old Learns the Art of the Deal
Some kids dream of growing up to be an astronaut, a vet or a rock star. Our kid had his eyes on the bottom line — on the folding stuff. Read more.