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In my line of work, Death is a familiar friend. But this past week, Death has frequented my thoughts more than usual.  A Patient Pilgrimage  At the bedside of one of our patients within moments of their last breath, it was different. There wasn’t family at the bedside to support and hold, but a compassionate […]

At ‘111’ North Broadway in downtown Edmond, you will find a treasure called The Twisted Tree Bakery. Family-owned, not only do they have delicious baked items, their name/brand reflects a twisted maple tree found in their family history, symbolizing their family’s approach to life: “When rough winds come our way, we stay strong, allowing ourselves

Early morning heart preparations for Maundy Thursday included a simple meditation: “God’s presence is in every act of goodness, of kindness, of love. Look at the people around you, wherever you are right now. What goodness and kindness and love might be there in their lives? Can you recognize God present in them too?” One

Two years feels like forever to not talk to or see someone you love. To be completely removed from the rhythms of their lives, like you never existed.  It happened instantly, after one conversation. Words intended to better understand a situation were flipped upside-down, exploding one question into full-blown estrangement. It left me in disbelief,

My early morning walk was different as my steps pounded with reflections on the nursing students of Kramer School of Nursing at OCU this week. More than ninety incoming freshmen, laptops open, steaming cups of coffee, all pursuing their calling of becoming registered nurses for the future of our healthcare.  Speechless and overcome with emotion,

Grief and great sadness have been circulating through my veins all week. My morning views during early walks have been blurred with tears and laments of loss with the One who creates all things.  How, oh God, can these tragedies of angry and out-of-control waters sweep away the preciousness of the earth?  A friend met

This week, I was invited to share my story with Integris healthcare workers via a Zoom. I called the presentation “The Alchemy of Care at the Bedside” and focused on the powerful ingredients of “seeing,” “listening,” and “providing” in a deeper, different way. My goal was to encourage them to invite, enhance, and create a

There has been a constant humming in the background of my days and nights. This felt-not-heard experience creates unsettledness in my soul.    During a recent gathering in a circle of fellow companions, the humming paused for a moment as we settled into the deep stillness of our hearts. This pause was to honor St. Brigid,

After spending a special sunny, warm weekend with a writers community, reflecting on the gifts measured in successes and struggles in 2024 and looking forward to the dreams for 2025, Bill and I were navigating our way back to the San Diego airport early Sunday morning to catch a flight home. The traffic was light,

Sitting in the quiet this morning within the reality of the continued massive devastation… SO. MUCH. DEVASTATION.   From those relentless wildfires destroying human life and creation to the relentless suffering of illnesses and loss… I find myself remembering standing in front of the inferno, watching helplessly as our life’s possessions and the safe sanctuary of