I was born in Michigan, and so was my mother. My grandmother was born in Finland. My grandmother gave birth to her children at home. My mother gave birth in the hospital during the obstetric practice of twilight sleep and delivery with forceps. I gave birth by cesarean section. As a nurse I worked in… Continue reading The Changing Ways of Birth
Month: May 2020
Remembering with Hope
Today we went to the cemetery and tended the family graves. We planted flowers and walked among the stones marking family members. As I read the names I was recalling family history. My husband’s grandparents immigrated from Holland in 1911. In 1918 they lost three of their children when scarlet fever and the Spanish flu… Continue reading Remembering with Hope
New Ideas for the Garden
With lots of time at home I have been able to focus attention on gardening. My neighbor and I have shared tips and little plants across the back fence. I am looking forward to garden produce. This year I have added mushroom compost to the garden to help break up the heavy clay soil. In… Continue reading New Ideas for the Garden
Finding Joy in a Difficult Season
In so many ways life is not normal now. High school seniors are graduating without ceremony . . . the elderly are isolated in nursing homes without visitors . . . completely unexpected job loss . . . health care workers are furloughed. Currently I am reading the biography of John Adams by David McCullough.… Continue reading Finding Joy in a Difficult Season
The Pandemic and A Story in Genesis
During the current pandemic the existence of level 4 biosafety labs has come to light. It is in the news that the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease invested money in the Wuhan Lab. We wonder what happened at the lab in Wuhan. And we learn that level 4 biosafety labs exist in… Continue reading The Pandemic and A Story in Genesis
How Do We Overcome Fear?
Fear can distract us from a life of faith. In my morning Bible study I have been reading about Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the city with a temple for God’s presence. The Jews had enemies that did not want them to rebuild the walls. At first these enemies jeered and mocked… Continue reading How Do We Overcome Fear?