Wednesday, February 20, 2019 5 a.m. ~ The sound of chimes, my iPhone alarm, breaks my dream. My eyes dart open. The bedroom is bathed in darkness. My dog is snuggled up against my husband, who’s snoring blissfully on the other side of the bed. I wrestle myself out of bed; the cool air shocksContinue reading “Diary of one day”
Two
Two years ago, I gave birth to you, little one. You burst into our lives in the most dramatic fashion and left us breathless, in awe of your tenacity. Two years of singing lullabies, tickling your belly, making you pancakes. Two years of pediatrician visits, sleep deprivation, gnawing worry. Two years of surrender. Two yearsContinue reading “Two”
Grace for a Tuesday morning
If only I could get consistent with publishing, then I’d grow my platform.If only I could be more patient with my toddler, then I’d be a better parent.If only I could get my work inbox in order, then I’d be ahead at the office. If only, if only, if only . . . Daily I findContinue reading “Grace for a Tuesday morning”
A word about walls
You can build a wall with words;brick by brick, stack up fear and hate.Sir, the wall you seek?It’s already standing. Here is the ugly truth: this nation was built through genocide, on the backs of slaves, upon the false principle whiteness reigns supreme. Here is another truth: my family is no different than those atContinue reading “A word about walls”
This year, I want to be brave
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked, looking at me in the mirror. From height of my salon chair, I studied myself. Some iteration of long hair has been my look the majority of my adult life. My senior year of college I received a poorly executed shorter cut that left me emotionallyContinue reading “This year, I want to be brave”
Gets better with age
In my early twenties, I worked for a large, progressive Presbyterian church on Chicago’s Gold Coast. I’d graduated in 2008 with dreams of working for a magazine or newspaper, but this was the year of the financial crisis and although unpaid internships beckoned, I could not afford to take them. I needed a paying job.Continue reading “Gets better with age”
Looks like surrender, feels like home
I open the door and see him dead center in a sea of toddlers, tears streaming down his tiny, flushed face. “Mommy!” he sobs. “Oh poor buddy,” I say, rushing forward, folding him in my arms. His teacher tried to reach me earlier, but I missed her calls. That Tuesday, while I sat in meetings,Continue reading “Looks like surrender, feels like home”
What I mean when I talk about living gratefully
It’s been a difficult year for our family. So difficult some of our stories have been too painful to share here. My husband is healthy again, but inside we’re still healing from the trauma. Reflecting back on it all, however, my heart remains full. I’m deeply grateful for the blessings God has placed in myContinue reading “What I mean when I talk about living gratefully”
A wave of love
Two years ago, I sobbed when America didn’t elect her. And I continue to lament the way his presidency’s built walls in our nation. His words and actions have fostered hate for those who look or worship or love or vote differently than us; cruelty at our borders; distrust of the truth — of journalistsContinue reading “A wave of love”
Keep watch
“I see cars!” my son says, his face pressed against the window. “Good. Jack, what else do you see?” I ask. “It’s sunny! It’s sunny!” he declares with a grin. We discuss the clouds and the wing and the plane’s descent; he’s testing his growing vocabulary, a tiny reporter riveted by the world around us.Continue reading “Keep watch”
Erin Strybis 