by Emily Wierenga | Dec 9, 2011 | Uncategorized
Irritation makes her bark and bristle, so I lean closer. I speak softer and I skirt raw spots as we trace her story. She lived a childhood unprotected, and has lived it over and over again. She’s not the only one who teeters on the edge of shouting or shaking.... by Emily Wierenga | Dec 7, 2011 | Uncategorized
on occasion, when i’m feeling too lazy to get up from the couch to get myself a snack, i remind my husband, quietly, of the drug-free labor i went through four months ago with our second son, Kasher.it’s losing its effect. perhaps once a day is too often,... by Emily Wierenga | Dec 6, 2011 | Uncategorized
i caught a glimpse of myself in the window today as i rocked my baby and i looked older than i’ve ever looked, hair tied back, glasses, apron for the baking and all of me, mother. i looked like a mother. and i liked it.i’ve been missing them lately. my... by Emily Wierenga | Dec 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
snow, falling like the ideal christmas all fat and gentle and aiden clapping hands and us clamoring into hat and mitt and jacket. the first saturday in december, and it’s time to get the tree, and christmas isn’t christmas without a real tree. and we drive to oma and... by Emily Wierenga | Dec 2, 2011 | Uncategorized
“Listen to your life, see it for the fathomless mystery it is.” ~ Frederick BuechnerIt’s raining grey drops on the outside, peppering the asphalt and earth-dirt with heaven’s impartial, christening water. It smells like creation’s church... by Emily Wierenga | Nov 30, 2011 | Uncategorized
she was too old for her skin, all 13 years, and she stopped me in the hall and asked if we could talk. i was the nervous one, the young life volunteer, fresh-faced from college and it was chemistry, us going for coffee and jessica knew no love for an alcoholic mother...