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”
To have and to hold
And you have a person in your life whose hand you like to hold? “Yes, I do.” It must surely, then, be very happy down there in your heart “Yes,” I said. “It is.” —Mary Oliver My husband Jay and I celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary on October 13. IfContinue reading “To have and to hold”
How I coped with weaning my son
About a month ago in August, after a three-day work trip to Boston, I stopped breastfeeding my son. He was 17 months old, and my husband and I thought this trip was a good opportunity to wean him. Prior to the trip, he comfort nursed twice a day, in the mornings and evenings. I droppedContinue reading “How I coped with weaning my son”
Return to running
In my early twenties, I lived for running. In college, I jogged through campus and ran the backs of Cambridge while abroad. After graduating I ran 5ks, then half marathons and even triathlons. For three seasons, I was a girls running coach. I frequently ran the Chicago lakefront. Then I stopped. I stopped running consistentlyContinue reading “Return to running”
Everyone has a story
“Are you going to interview me now?” he asked expectantly. My colleague and I had just wrapped some video interviews at the church we were visiting, and had no intention of filming more. Yet I could see something in this man’s eyes—not desperation—an earnestness, a longing to be heard, that made me reconsider. “Sure!” IContinue reading “Everyone has a story”
A backyard tale
Once upon a time, a young couple bought their first home. They had a baby on the way, and a little dog too, and after eight years of apartment living, it was time to move. The home they purchased was in an ideal location–close to work, the airport and public transit. It was just theirContinue reading “A backyard tale”
Erin Strybis 