Learning from the best

When I was a little girl I watched Mom cook. Now I’m paying attention to how she manages this latest challenge in her life, the task of dealing with dementia…

Musings, FamilyLinda HanstraMay 19, 2019Aging Parents, Alzheimer's, Memory Comments

Out of the garden and into the woods

“When do you want to retire?” the financial planner asks us, as she plugs our numbers into her retirement calculator…

…”Um. Well. I was thinking I’d like to retire at 62. But now, I’m not sure.” I shrug my shoulders, as a wave of uncertainty courses through me.

Empty Nest, MusingsLinda HanstraMay 9, 2019Gardening, Retirement Comments

A puzzle of days: the life and legacy of Dad

My Dad loves jigsaw puzzles. Would you believe he’s been working on a puzzle with over 31,000 pieces? If you can spare a few minutes, I’ll tell you the story of Dad’s puzzle.

Musings, Family, FaithLinda HanstraApril 29, 2019Aging Parents, Family Comments

Easter 2019: a different kind of sameness

“I hope you’ve had a nice Easter,” the waiter said to a customer, sitting with his family at a nearby table.

“Oh, it’s not really different than any other day for us,” the man replied.

My fork stopped in mid-air, as I took a moment to process this unexpected response.

Travel, FaithLinda HanstraApril 22, 2019Choir, Minnesota, College, Faith Comments

When milestones become millstones

“Wa- tootie!!” my two-year-old yelled. I cringed as I imagined the sideways glances and raised eyebrows of my friends.

Our “Mom’s group” met for coffee and Bible study every other Friday. When the kids came up from the basement playroom to join us for snacks, I listened closely and took mental notes.

Another two-year-old politely asked: “May I have a cookie, please?”

Family, FaithLinda HanstraApril 19, 2019Speech & Language, Family, Exhale Creativity Comments

Scratching beneath the surface

We were beginning to feel like someone was trying to tell us we were NOT supposed to enjoy a spring break day in Chicago. We were trapped in a fortress of cement and steel, two stories underground, with the glorious sights and sounds of Michigan Avenue on the surface above us, and out of reach.

There was only one thing left to do.

Musings, TravelLinda HanstraApril 2, 2019Chicago, American Writers Museum, WritingComment

Like riding a bike, or not

I’ve heard it said that routines are good, especially healthy ones like getting to bed on time, meditating, eating breakfast, and exercising. But there’s also something to be said for shaking up the routine, adding a little spice to your life, and trying new things.

Empty Nest, Travel, BikingLinda HanstraMarch 3, 2019Biking, Traverse City, WineriesComment

Polar opposites

I put on several layers, a wool headband and a hat, a huge scarf around my neck and face, and two pairs of socks under my snow boots. It was 6:45 a.m. and I just had to go outside. After all, it's not everyday one gets to experience what 20 below feels like…

Musings, FaithLinda HanstraFebruary 3, 2019Comment

Opening our gifts: 2018 year-in-review

Travel, Empty Nest, Musings, Family, Biking, FaithLinda HanstraDecember 28, 2018Year in ReviewComment

Comfort food and warm fires: savoring the moments before saying goodbye

We pass through the hills and valleys surrounding the Chohocton River as we head home from Corning, New York. Tom is driving, while I look out the window. Our son Seth and his wife Maddie sit quietly in the back seat. It’s hard to bring ourselves to talk after saying our final goodbyes to Morgan, knowing we will never see him again.

Travel, Family, FaithLinda HanstraNovember 13, 2018Cancer, Friendships, Faith Comments

Weathering the Storm

I must have hit the grocery store right after "stock-up" day last week. As I walked through the aisles I noticed shelves filled to the edges with rows and rows of food and other necessities. Choices, choices, choices. And plenty of everything. I thought to myself how blessed we are to have such abundance. In stark contrast,