If you’ve read my columns, you know that I often like to tackle some serious topics. October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, so it’s fitting that we discuss it now. I became a volunteer legal advocate with HAWC earlier this year. This involves my dedicating two afternoons a week to an Essex County district court in Lynn, Salem, Peabody, or Gloucester. Mostly they’ve … [Read more...] about The Sober Widow: Healing Abuse, Working for Change (HAWC)
Lifestyle
From The Deep End: Who’s in your village?
"It takes a village to raise a child." — African Proverb Every parent has heard this quote, and most would say it's true in a general sense. Think about all the people in our lives who interact with and impact our children. Teachers, doctors, coaches, scout leaders, and, of course, family and friends are all integral parts of their lives. My children are grown now, and … [Read more...] about From The Deep End: Who’s in your village?
The Sober Widow: Death cleaning
I promise I’m not obsessed with death. It may seem like it – I’ve written about making a will and God knows I’ve come close, but now I’m all about making things easier for my loved ones when the inevitable occurs. This is what happens when you turn 60 and beyond. You start realizing that there are way more years behind you than ahead of you. And when you’ve looked the Grim … [Read more...] about The Sober Widow: Death cleaning
From The Deep End: Old-school habits
"Quality is not an act; it is a habit." — Aristotle We are all creatures of habit. Whether it's our daily commute or the nightly process of making dinner, doing the dishes, and packing the next day's lunch, almost any day has a repetitive part. For some, it can feel stifling and boring, while for others, it might be comforting. One of my other writing gigs is with a … [Read more...] about From The Deep End: Old-school habits
The Sober Widow: One is the loneliest number
Ask anyone who’s been widowed: “Are you lonely?” The answer varies depending on circumstances, but let’s say said widow doesn’t have children. Even if she has a busy life and fills her days with volunteer work, exercise and social time, she still comes home to an empty house, except for her loving dog who is especially happy to see her if it’s dinnertime. Okay, full … [Read more...] about The Sober Widow: One is the loneliest number