Family | shift

May 20 2013

culture, current events, life, life at home, perspective

just like mommy

She took the room by surprise. Or maybe it was just me. I noticed her as soon as I walked in.

She had on hot pink shorts two sizes too small, and a bikini top over breasts two sizes too big. Across her back and on her arms and legs were tattoos; her ample girth jiggled as she walked. Even more interesting was her hair. Pixie length and bleach-blonde, her “locks” were pulled into pigtails that looked like sprouts coming out of the sides of her head. Earrings glistened from her ears.

Most noticeable, though, were her eyes. They were dark and masked by makeup and . . . bruises?

She was toting a three-year-old. Continue reading →

Tagged Breast, cigarette, Family, Harry Potter, Home, imitate, Mommy, Mother, Parent, parental influence, role model, Television, Women

May 17 2013

77 Comments

background, change, life, loss, love, personal

grandparents aren’t supposed to die

My Nana died tonight. I didn’t cry. I have, and I will. But I didn’t when I heard the news. Some things take a while to settle in.

Grandparents are the best!

It occurred to me recently that, in the span of six months, I have gone from having three living grandparents to, now, only one. It is something that was never supposed to happen, really. Grandparents aren’t supposed to die. They’re the ones who tickle you and tell you stories and sneak you treats when Mom and Dad aren’t looking. They’re the ones with gray hair and wrinkles and sparkly eyes and easy smiles. They’re the ones who age but don’t get old, who tire but are never too tired for you.

They are, and always have been, for eternity.

Until tonight. Continue reading →

Tagged Boots Randolph, death, Elvis, Family, Grandparent, Home, memorial service, Mom and Dad, Nana, Ohio, Parent, Shopping, Teddy Bear, yakety sax, yodel

Apr 13 2013

67 Comments

background, dreams, Hong Kong, life, love, personal, perspective, Taiwan

success, or something like it

I ~~used to~~ feel guilty for being who I am.

I am a U.S. citizen. I was born to two loving parents who worked hard to provide for their children. I have never had to worry about food or shelter. I have never been abused, raped, or neglected. I have a college education and have been privileged to travel to many different parts of the world.

Why?

Why me? Why did I laugh as a child while other children cried? Continue reading →

Tagged Air conditioning, bridal shower, Bus driver, Construction and Maintenance, dreams, Family, happiness, Mechanical, Mother Teresa, Picket fence, success, taiwan, wedding

Mar 27 2013

63 Comments

change, life, personal, writing

thank you

Something I didn’t expect when I started this blog was . . . Well, two things actually.

One, that anyone (besides my dad—thanks, Dad!) would ever actually read what I wrote, and . . .

Two, that I would begin to feel a sense of community with the people I never expected would read my blog who actually did.

Creating this blog has allowed me to express my thoughts—thoughts which previously bounced endlessly around in the recesses of my mind—with an unknown world. In return, the unknown world has, for once, been kind: You have made me feel less alone. Continue reading →

Tagged Deo Volente, Family, Father, friends, Home, List of Latin phrases (D), More to Love, Parent, Stay at Home Fathers, thank you

Feb 12 2013

9 Comments

life at home, personal, perspective

confession

A long time ago…

I have a confession. I really, really, really wanted to lie to you in my last post.

I wanted to tell you my dad was a plumber. Or a roofer. Or a trash collector. Anything, anything but a doctor.

Why? you might ask. Are you ashamed of what your parents do?

Absolutely not. I am incredibly proud of both of my parents. My dad is known around town as one of the best docs in the area. Neither one of my parents came from money. They worked hard to get where they are. And they still work hard. My dad gets up between 4 and 5 a.m. and works 14 to 16 hours almost every day.

He has my entire life.

But I’ve always hated the connotation of being a “doctor’s kid.” Continue reading →

Tagged Arts, Asia, Child, Family, gift, God, Home, Parent, United States

Dec 28 2012

7 Comments

life at home, personal

mrs. andrews

The old woman lay dozing. Mussy hair framed her pale face; the hair was white, like snow. IVs pumping clear liquid ran between needles in her wrists and plastic bags beside her bed. She was tall, and very, very thin.

“Hello, Mrs. Andrews? Are you awake?”

Wide eyes opened, alarmed. The eyes were brown.

“Didn’t mean to startle you,” said my dad. “I’m Dr. Cyphers and [motioning to me] this is my daughter, Jessica. We came to wish you a Merry Christmas.” Continue reading →

Tagged Christmas, elderly, Family, God, Holiday, Home, hospital, Literature, Merry Christmas, Opinions, patient

shift

because the only thing constant is change

Tag Archives: Family

just like mommy

grandparents aren’t supposed to die

success, or something like it

confession

mrs. andrews

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because the only thing constant is change

Tag Archives: Family

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