I’ve been pondering the gift of Girlfriends and the roles they play in our lives. When I look back on how we met, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that long-lasting bonds form at pivotal moments in life—from first grade, to first jobs, Little Athletics to college or when you move to a new neighborhood. It’s as though the universe recognizes that we’re in an age or stage of flux, and a good friend or two will transform our experience. Girlfriends. How would we survive without them? They listen patiently, share our tears, and make us laugh until our sides ache. They… [Read More]
Archives for February 2013
Dear Pope: Please make your retirement count for something.
Dear Pope Benedict: I wish you well, and I urge you to make your retirement count for something. Why not announce you are stepping down as a healing gesture for the river of victims abused by pedophile priests? The Catholic Church – and as its leader, you – have demonstrated strategic, calculated indifference to decades of child rape and molestation. Both as Pontiff and an influential cardinal, you oversaw the transfer of priests to new parishes, where they preyed on fresh victims. Respectfully, you have done too little, too late. Please make your final announcement a truly healing one. I ask… [Read More]
The women who live in my wallet
… and by wallet I mean purse. And by purse I mean bag. And by bag, I mean the leather monstrosity (big enough to move into) that fell on my head while spring-cleaning. In it, I found a stack of old ID cards. As I spread them out, they evoked my journey so far. A sample: LIBRARY CARD, circa high-school: fresh-faced, I gaze out, all straightened teeth and sparkly eyes. Pity about the perm. Yes. A perm. Shaped to my head (a moment’s silence, to reflect on just how bad that is). The card evokes water-stained taffeta dresses, an after-school… [Read More]