Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
Tag: motherhood
It Could Happen or Not
It’s always other people’s children who get shot. Last week, a man was shot by a Milwaukee police officer. Although not all the facts are known, everyone seems ready to lay the shooting at the feet of mental illness. The thinking trajectory is that… Continue Reading “It Could Happen or Not”
My Little Book
So this morning I knocked on the shower curtain so my husband would peek out and tell me if I looked okay. Heading to a day of big meetings, I wanted a good, “Wow, you look really sharp!” from him. I got this: “You… Continue Reading “My Little Book”
The Poison of the ‘Still Face’
What is the big deal about the ‘still face’? Simple. It makes people crazy. Anyone who adopts internationally is warned about the effects of the lack of human interaction on children raised in institutions. Oh, children are fed and clothed but they aren’t talked… Continue Reading “The Poison of the ‘Still Face’”
The Mother My Daughter Is
I like to say I knew her when. I knew her when her bangs were cut straight across with sewing scissors because the idea of spending real money on a haircut for a kid seemed outlandish to me. I knew her when she would… Continue Reading “The Mother My Daughter Is”
Ducks
A few weeks ago, this mama duck was swimming solo. Her life on Little Lake Harbor on Lake Superior was sweet, uncomplicated. She paddled, ate, sat in the sun, floated with her friends, watched boats come and go and took care of herself. Then… Continue Reading “Ducks”
Today is the Day We Wash All the Black Bras
I handed my little granddaughter one black bra and told her to put it down the laundry chute. Then called to her, “Hey, take this one, too.” She waited for me to toss it. “Today is the day we wash all the black bras.”… Continue Reading “Today is the Day We Wash All the Black Bras”
Right Here Right Now
I’ve spent much of the past two weeks at this place – Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns in San Diego. I come in the morning, buy a lunch coupon, go up to the 4th floor, and hang out with my daughter. I’m… Continue Reading “Right Here Right Now”
Mom Torture
Mom torture n. 1 emotional pain experienced by a woman when her child is in distress 2 a strategy used to weaken a mother’s resolve in regard to her own beliefs and practices 3 a primary cause of sleepless nights See also Tough love… Continue Reading “Mom Torture”
Boy Mom
Do women fall in love with their sons? Oh yes. Unconsciously following the moves of the world’s most ancient playbook, boy moms try to hide it but they can’t. They love their boys, not more than their girls, but in a way that is… Continue Reading “Boy Mom”
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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