PinnedMember-onlySuicide ChroniclesA partial answer to the why of it. — The science is unclear about the tipping point that leads some people to decide to end their lives. The act of suicide is neither one of courage nor cowardice, but it could be considered, for some, the ultimate maladaptive coping mechanism. Suicidal ideation can be passive or active; the gesture…Mental Health9 min readMental Health9 min read
PinnedMember-onlyThe Three C’s of Medium: Clap, Curate, and CommiserateThe Three C’s of Medium: Clap, Curate, and Commiserate ❤👍😊 People of a certain age, ilk, or (unfortunately) experience are familiar with the clap. And if you’ve been around since 1996, probably have heard of the clapper — a device for the lazy, arthritic, or not-quite-legally blind to turn on…Self3 min readSelf3 min read
PinnedMember-onlyThe Space Between Her EarsThe Space Between Her Ears “I renamed the planets,” she said. And I started to jot down notes. Over the years as therapist, nurse, and provider, I literally have heard thousands of stories. Bits and pieces of others have stuck in my consciousness but the entirety of this intrigued and…Mwc Space4 min readMwc Space4 min read
PinnedMember-onlyHeigh-Ho and Other Core BeliefsHeigh-Ho and Other Core Beliefs Like all core beliefs, our definition of work is born out of our childhood memories, experiences and perceptions. We develop knee jerk reactions, sometimes irrational thoughts, and inexplicable emotional responses to often unconscious stimuli. I’ve often told the story of how, growing up in the…Mwc Work5 min readMwc Work5 min read
PinnedMember-onlyIdentity deathIt happened in a matter of weeks. Widow. Jobless. Old. One Sunday night in June 2016, my husband of 40 years died from respiratory failure. The following Thursday, the clinic where I work closed and I was out of work. TheMWC Deathnext Tuesday, I turned 65 and became a senior…Mwc Death3 min readMwc Death3 min read
Published inILLUMINATION·Nov 18Member-onlyTouched by the Fallen Angels of Our NatureWould Mr. Lincoln be disappointed by our current Union? — Hirohito, Mussolini, and Hitler predated my existence. As did Stalin. I lived during Pol Pot's reign in Cambodia, Idi Amin’s in Uganda and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Today our world suffers at the hands of Putin in Russia, Kim Jong-un of North Korea, and Viktor Orban in Hungary. Autocratic leaders…Politics4 min readPolitics4 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·Nov 5Member-onlyWhy is Being Called a Cat Lady a Pejorative Term?Yet it’s okay being a dog person. — We call Sandy the cat lady of the complex. She fits the stereotype. Mid-70’s, never married, no children and a condo filled with cats (down from six to four). She also feeds all the strays. Even set up a sheltered cat house between a concrete wall and a neighbor's wooden…Life As We Age4 min readLife As We Age4 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·Oct 29Member-onlyFrom Being Teacher to Be Being TaughtMy fitness journey — Crows Feet Prompt #44 — Not really a jock, but I played most sports during adolescence. Post high school, I dabbled in volleyball, tennis, and minored in ping pong. Later golf, bowling, and soft ball rounded out my athletic endeavors. Participated in a few 5K runs as well. Then came adult dance aerobics and that…Crows Feet Writing Prompt4 min readCrows Feet Writing Prompt4 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·Oct 22Member-onlyI Changed My Eating (and Drinking) Pattern as I AgedEat, drink, and be happier Crow’s Feet Prompt #43 — I read that potatoes are an older person’s diet no-no. They raise the glycemic index. That makes us more susceptible to adult-onset diabetes. A scourge of the middle-aged and up. Sorry doc — call me Irish, but I can’t give up my mashed spuds. Yet there have been voluntary and…Crows Feet Writing Prompt4 min readCrows Feet Writing Prompt4 min read
Published inCrow’s Feet·Oct 15Member-onlyThe (Un)Disguised Voices of AgeismPatronizing prattle, methinks — Both leading Democratic Houston mayoral candidates, John Whitmire and Sheila Jackson Lee, are in their early 70’s. Ages 74 and 73, respectively. No snarky comments about age are being bandied about in the media. Experience, political acumen and future vision for our city are the main topics gracing the airwaves. …Ageism4 min readAgeism4 min read
