Every time I sit on the couch, all hell breaks loose — Shoulders rolling, I sink into the pillowy cushions of our burgundy corduroy couch. Head back, eyes closed, I heave a sigh of relief and mentally tick off my daily ‘To-Do’ list. Okay, did I get everything done before the plans fell through? Gifts wrapped… check. Cake picked up… check. Party favours for each…

If you don’t have a problem, I’ll convince you you do — Cast iron frying pan sizzling, I slid it onto the back burner and called the family for breakfast. One hand covering a yawn, I trudged upstairs to the demons’ door. Okay, they aren’t demons. They’re my narcissistic in-laws but demons works. Trust me. Deep breath in. I rap on their…

A tisket, a tasket, a red mahogany casket — Polished mahogany shines in the morning sun. Brass handles, three along each side to support a long mahogany pole with brass tips, are a bright contrast to the dark, exotic wood. Lid sat open to showcase the rose-pink satin gathered around the edges and a large rose embroidered into the…

The Heart Never Forgets — Here. These are for you. Emotions crowd my memory. Tears get blinked away. Heartache and loss clog my chest. Sad smile I remember the day those words were uttered to me. The day Barbi, my older ‘sister from another mister’, gave me her entire Nancy Drew collection. …

Making space for memories — Arm raised in hesitation, she gave her blonde head a wee shake before rapping three times on the oak door and stepping back, trembling hands clasped in front of her. …

Sweet and light, with memories of Christmas’ past — Bright red trim with Christmas trees and Santa all around it, red tin handle standing straight up. The round cake tin made her smile. A family heirloom, it made its seasonal appearance every November on the antique sideboard at Thanksgiving. The kids reached out reverent hands to touch the cool…

Remembering the blessings of family — Crisp December air burns my lungs. I push the car door closed and say a silent prayer, stomping in every puddle. With one hand on the handle, I steeled myself for the onslaught. It never got easier. Each visit brought both contentment and dismay. Distress and happiness. Calm and anxious. …

When life throws you a curve ball, toss back love — Life hadn’t been easy for the Hansards of Mankleton. Married at eighteen, fresh from high school, Harriet couldn’t wait to start a family with her twenty-four-year-old husband, Lionel. The Universe, however, had other plans for them. By the time Harriet and Lionel were in their mid-thirties, they’d resigned themselves to…

It’s never really goodbye, more of a ‘see you later’ — I’m so tired. This has been a difficult year for me. Aches and hurts have made it painful to exist in my body. I can feel the watch on my time here begin to wind down. It saddens me. Thoughts of all I would leave behind crowd my mind, but…

Innocence remembered in unanswered prayers — Smooth, Bing’s voice sung of snow, bells, Christmas cards, and nostalgia. My mind wandered back to simpler times. When I lived in a bubble, happily ignorant of the troubles of the world. Well, the troubles in my world, anyway. Wrapping paper littered the bed. Gift tags stuck to everything but…

Road tripping and making memories — Blue ’46 Mercury barrelling down black asphalt. Carefree, young love, feet on the dashboard. Holding hands at the Drive-in on a Saturday night. White ’57 Thunderbird cruising down the freeway. Two kids, one puppy, loving parents. Hugs from grandparents and laughing with cousins, during cherished Summers by the shore. Green…

Sad brown eyes stare at the clouds rolling by, broken body slumped in the brown leather recliner sitting by the window. Heart breaking, the old man’s caregiver squeezes his shoulder, attempting to comfort him as best she can. “Why don’t they come visit anymore, Helen?” He turns lonely eyes to…

Always needed and in demand — “Maaaaa-maaaaa.” A hiccup, then a giggle, and another long, drawn-out call of my name. “Maaaaaa-maaaaa.” Eyes closed, I sighed, then smiled. Exhaustion overwhelmed me, my limbs heavy. Movement felt impossible. …

Roast turkey with a side of narcissist pie — Deep in slumber, the dog lifted his head, listening. Awake, front paws on the arm of the couch, pre-bark huff at the back of his throat, he launched himself off the burgundy leather towards the front door. “They’re here, Erik,” deadpan, Marcia called her husband, “go answer the door.” She…

Calling in one last favor — Phones ringing in the middle of the night never brought good news. Ever. That night was no exception. Groggy, disoriented, I scrambled for the cellphone on my side table, cursing as it clattered to the hardwood. “Fuck.” Mouth thick with the remnants of too much red wine, I slid to…

Little lies saved his big ego — “Ashley wanted to come, for us, but she stayed home with the kids. How did Russ take staying behind?” Daniel ordered us a drink at the airport bar while we waited for our flight to board. We both acknowledged it was a bullshit excuse. Neither of our spouses got along…

Everyone knew who wasn’t Daddy’s favorite — Flora, like a dog with a bone, flew at us with more accusations. Edgar was in her crosshairs this time. “And you, Edgar, what about you? You worked with Dad, saw him every day, yet wouldn’t allow your children to have a relationship with their own grandfather.” Hands-on hips, she…

When you want to enjoy your (almost) empty nest and your parents move in — Reggie paced; window to door to stairs, an endless circle of tensions and worry. His elevated state of agitation screamed from his clenched fists and clipped steps. Shoulders rolled into himself, he stopped and closed his eyes in frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose and repeated his words. …

Whatever you do — don’t open that trunk — Whatever you do, don’t open that trunk. Momma’s words repeated in her mind, reminding her every time she headed up to the attic to play that the old steamer trunk was off-limits. She reached up to grasp the leather strap hanging from the ceiling, pulling it down with a deep…

Savour your family, one day all you’ll have left will be crumbs — “Okay,” I watched as a large Asian long-horned beetle crawled up the nearest oak tree. “I guess that makes sense. I mean, why wouldn’t he be telling the truth, right?” I shuddered, watching the invasive insect make its way into a crevice of the bark. No doubt to lay some…