A friend my age has been in love and communicating with a guy for 50+ years. Yep, fifty years. He married in college and had kids; she worked, never married, and had no kids. His wife died unexpectedly—OMG, he was available. After nearly a year of waiting a respectable time, he still had not mentioned her to his kids, and he busied himself with golf and guy things. Let me … [Read more...]
Let’s be King Makers
I recently heard someone use King Maker in a sentence, and I asked what it meant. They explained with an example: Take Apple, for example—all of us using Apple products have made them a King of the tech world. We buy their phone, then we buy their cords, and then their compatible iPads and computers. The same applies to Amazon, Google, Walmart, etc. We have each likely … [Read more...]
That’s a sign
Jennifer Goble (Courtesy photo) For my final article on the painful topic of suicide, I want to address warning signs and suggest what to do if you notice the signs. If someone changes from usual behavior—That’s a sign. If they’re normally cheery, grumpy, talkative, quiet, busy, lazy, whatever, and whoever they are, if it changes, pay attention. If you fear they could be … [Read more...]
Good WILL hug you again, even though
As I address Suicide Awareness Month this month, I speak to the family and friends who are left to live without their person. I write with the utmost reverence and respect for the life ended and for the families and friends who are suffering and trying to put the pieces together. I don’t pretend to be in your shoes—I write from what I’ve read and heard. The road ahead will … [Read more...]
What I’ve learned about suicide
I’ve worked with many people who are left to survive after a suicide. The stories are tragic, and the despair is warranted, accurate, and often crippling. Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned about suicide: It does not discriminate based on a person’s color, religion, politics, sex, national origin, age, disability, talent, genetic information, or financial status. It’s a … [Read more...]
Do you really want to know?
My youngest grandson was recently in Children’s Hospital with a broken leg. I left his room to get some water and met a pretty woman wearing a purple blouse in the snack room. She asked what brought me to the hospital. I told her, and I asked the same. She looked me square and said, “Do you really want to know?” I nodded and said, “Yes.” In very few words, she told me her … [Read more...]
I felt a little hope
I watched the Democratic National Convention, and yes, It’s no secret am a proud registered Democrat. To preface, I have nothing against Republican philosophy; I often vote on that side of the ticket. But I feel the party’s color has shifted from red to something dark, and its current message and tone evoke fear and sadness in my soul. It counters what I believe to be mentally … [Read more...]
I felt like the center of an Oreo cookie
The first of three concerts I recently attended was by a local artist, Braydon Zinc, held at NJC in the Dorothy J. Corsberg Theater. He called it a 10th Anniversary Concert, which felt more like an appreciation celebration. Braydon gave credit and kudos to his roots and the many who supported and encouraged him to live his dream of writing and singing music. Braydon was crazy … [Read more...]