The photo at left is the place I sit, to camp off a neighbor's wireless, so that I can post here, while on vacation. I know, I need to get a life, but blogging is a form of relaxation and therapy for me.Silent Sentinels In the midst of loss, and change, and moving forward, I … Continue reading Facing Fear, Silent Sentinels

Our family is on vacation. After the events of the past couple of weeks, this is a welcome break. The location of our holiday? The photo to the left provides a visual clue. Where else on the planet (save for Sweden, Finland, and Norway) could you find this large of a display of hockey sticks … Continue reading Take Off, Eh!

The past several weeks have been a time of sadness, loss, fear, and hope, all mixed together in ways that are still difficult for me to express. Sadness, loss, and fear in facing the death of my Mom. Hope in seeing God's real presence in the midst of this time. Writing down my feelings is … Continue reading How Do You Say Thank You?

Elizabeth Lee Partridge was born on April 18, 1921 in Los Angeles, California. She attended Los Angeles High School, and then USC, where she majored in Art. After a career in modeling, she married Roland Norris of Whittier, California in 1957. Her only son, Steven Roland Norris was born in 1958.Betty, as she was known … Continue reading Elizabeth Lee Norris 1921-2006

For those of you who know me well, you also know that my Mom, 85, has been in failing health for some time now. I have described this before here, by way of some background.Mom is now in hospice care. She is clearly in her last days, and I do not have clever, or meaningful, … Continue reading Nearing The End

The past week has been Softball All Star week in our town. The South Pasadena 10-12 year old All Star team just won their section game tonight. Our daughter Heather is playing first base for the team, and this weekend we advance to Regional Playoffs. Undefeated, so far!This is the kind of stuff that makes … Continue reading Softball, Sam, and Community

I heard a song today that went right to the heart of who I am, and where my life is leading these days.My Mom, 85, lies in the hospital today, and has for the past five days. She is "failing to thrive". She has lost a lot of weight, can no longer walk, and eats … Continue reading Doubting Thomas

Tonight, I went to the softball field, to pick up Heather (12) from practice. Tomorrow is her first inter-league All-Star softball game tomorrow night. Lately, Kelly (15) always asks to come along for the ride to the field. For this simply mercy of time together, I am thankful. As we drove across town, an old … Continue reading Thankful for a Memory, Waiting on the Sky

Yesterday was a very interesting day. In the span of 24 hours, I:Spent time with young couples, pondering what solitude meanshad the priviledge of participating in the baptism of a little Korean 1-year old adopted by an amazingly loving familylaughed with friendsbarbecued hamburgers for about 15 guestsgot elbowed in the eye by my daughter playing … Continue reading These Faces

Life just whizzes by. No matter what we do, we can't slow it down. It won't stop. We feel out of control, as if we have been sent down some water slide and we can't stop, and we are not sure what is at the other end; a cool pool of water or a sheer … Continue reading Silence and Simplicity