Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Category: Writing
Post Game Show
I wanted to wait a day or two to write about Christmas. Holidays for us – always, but especially the last few years – are a little touch and go. Somebody’s absent. Somebody’s a mess. People take turns. You know how some families draw… Continue Reading “Post Game Show”
Say Again
My two boys started talking pretty late. For a couple of months after they came to the U.S. from Nicaragua, they didn’t even cry much. Mute little munchkins. Tip for adopters: if you adopt a child from an orphanage, they often don’t cry. This… Continue Reading “Say Again”
Go Out and Come Back In Again
This month has been marked by a lot of coming and going. Various family members going off to collect themselves and returning with a clean shirt and a calmer frame of mind. This is both actual and metaphorical. By the end of November, we… Continue Reading “Go Out and Come Back In Again”
10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A
Child. It’s National Adoption Month. Because a lot of what I write has a bit of an edge to it, people might think I’m cynical about adoption or disappointed or disillusioned. And they’d be right. But I also feel grateful, lucky and amazed. Same… Continue Reading “10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A”
Fun at Farm and Fleet
Because it makes me crazy when my kids look like reprobates – which is probably one of many politically incorrect words I’m going to use this week – I sometimes swoop into action with my credit card. Today’s mission was to buy #1 son… Continue Reading “Fun at Farm and Fleet”
Not Dead or In Jail: The Role of Outcomes in Family Life
You’re probably thinking I set the bar pretty low. Yeah. I guess. But look, if your kids aren’t dead or in jail, you’ve got something to work with. Granted this leaves out being maimed, ending up homeless, being pursued by a street gang, and numerous other… Continue Reading “Not Dead or In Jail: The Role of Outcomes in Family Life”
What Good are Dads?
I just looked out the window to see my son and his 4 year old daughter walk up the front steps to our house. He was ahead of her by 3 or 4 steps and she was following. Walking home from the park, I… Continue Reading “What Good are Dads?”
Denis Martinez’ Balls
Old County Stadium. Fall 1996. Brewers playing the Cleveland Indians. Mom, Dad, and 3 of 4 kids sitting about 20 rows up to the right (looking down) of the Indians’ dugout. Beautiful fall evening. Mellow. “DENIS!” “EL PRESIDENTE!!” Arms waving wildly, my husband stood up… Continue Reading “Denis Martinez’ Balls”
Rescue
So yesterday I was sitting at the statewide CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Conference and a speaker looked me in the eye and said, “Well, if you’all are into rescue, well, that’s a different matter.” And I wanted to stand up and say, “Hey,… Continue Reading “Rescue”
Big Sad Hole
Anything Crocker Stephenson writes, I read right away. Love his writing – how he gives readers a seat across the table from a crack addict – and I trust his eye. He is, as my grandmother would say, just right as rain — or… Continue Reading “Big Sad Hole”
Snow Door | wisconsinacademy.org
Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
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