Through
There’s thunder and lightning, bombings and gunfire, and I’m abandoned in the dark — horrifically alone. At any moment I could be obliterated, searing explosions invading my mind so I … Continue Reading Through
Heartache
“Son, why have you done this to us?”[i] Okay. I’m just going to say it. I don’t want to contract covid–19 and die. I don’t want any of my loved … Continue Reading Heartache
Was or Is? Life after Death
This week, a woman from my parish died of cancer. When I was thinking about the best way to describe how I know her, I found myself struggling with verb … Continue Reading Was or Is? Life after Death
Leaving with These Words
Last year, I had several health challenges that reminded me, yet again, of how fragile and fleeting my life is. Having been born with a rare disease and living all … Continue Reading Leaving with These Words
Respecting Death: an Odd Family Tradition
I’m a stickler for family traditions. Therefore, as I told my doctor, my preferred way to die is of some kind of cardiac incident in a church. That was how … Continue Reading Respecting Death: an Odd Family Tradition
Joy of Heaven
When I was going through my cancer scare, a friend of mine asked me to pray for her friend who had just been told that his leukemia was terminal. And … Continue Reading Joy of Heaven
Preparing to Die in 5 Easy Steps
Last week, I wrote about my reasons for wanting to prepare for death in a way that honors life, because death is an essential part of life as we know … Continue Reading Preparing to Die in 5 Easy Steps
Prepare to Die
Wrote this while two people in my life are actively dying, Mr. John Meehan, a friend and mentor, and my cousin’s husband, Larry Winger. May God grant them peace… Well, … Continue Reading Prepare to Die
Expire
Now, breathe out… “His body is letting him down.” We say this about a person who is getting old or becoming sick with an incurable disease. Why? Isn’t the … Continue Reading Expire
Autumn Leaves
(This little verse, which I originally wrote quite a few years ago, has a perspective on autumn foliage that is different from last week’s poem…) Autumn leaves grasp the colors … Continue Reading Autumn Leaves
Ephemeral
Sometimes, I feel so small. The world is big and I am tiny, a mote at the mercy of the rough winds around me. I can’t control what will happen … Continue Reading Ephemeral
Perspective
My aunt is an artist and she has cancer. It’s a rare and aggressive kind. I know neither the specific details of her treatment nor what will happen. But it’s … Continue Reading Perspective
Grieving the Death of a Loved One: Beauty Speaks
My friend, whose husband died last December, is going through her year of firsts. The first Christmas without Dave. The first birthday without him. The first Easter… the first wedding … Continue Reading Grieving the Death of a Loved One: Beauty Speaks
The Human LORD
If you knew you were going to die, what would you do on your last day? The liturgy of Holy Thursday begins the holiest part of Holy Week, the Easter … Continue Reading The Human LORD
When I Die
This is a message that I plan to leave behind for my loved ones… and so… for everyone. Yesterday, April 6th, I celebrated a milestone birthday – but, really, every … Continue Reading When I Die
Christina Chase 