The Hometown Rookie
After nine months in Los Angeles, I decided that Chicago was really my hometown. I moved back, intent on seeing my city through fresh eyes. I'm now living in a downtown high-rise, enjoying friends, and taking on new challenges in this seventh decade of my life.
The Rookie Transplant
In 2014, I got the notion that I wanted to move to Los Angeles to be closer to my family. I sold all of my furniture, shipped cartons containing personal stuff, and off I went!
The Rookie Widow
When Tommy died in 2012, I began a new journey, likely familiar to others who have lost a loved one. Fortunately, thanks to dear family and friends, I learned that there is life after loss, also joy and happiness.
The Rookie Caregiver
When my second husband, Tommy, was diagnosed with brain degeneration in 2009, I started writing this blog as therapy for myself. These true stories of love, language, panic and patience -- told with humor and compassion -- have resonated with many caregivers.
The first thing I placed in the shipping box was a container with his ashes. It was lightweight because scoops had already been removed and scattered. One batch of my second husband's remains went to Jackson Park where Tommy got a hole in one. Another was spread among the plantings outside the YMCA, his longtime gym; and one more in the park where every morning for 12 years we walked our dog.