Many years ago I worked the night shift in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Michigan. We had 12 hour shifts, and I worked from 7 pm to 7 am. Around 5:00 am as daylight crept across the sky, we were weary and needed to get our…
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The Scent of Water: Book Review
Perhaps there is a right time to read a book. I started The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge some years ago, but I didn’t finish it. This time as I read the book I was thoroughly enjoying the writing. I lingered over the descriptions of setting, and the interesting…
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A Remarkable Woman Doctor
One of the women I admire provided care to childbearing women in their homes. For four years I worked in a home birth practice that followed the principles of care taught by Dr. Beatrice Tucker. Dr. Beatrice Tucker was the remarkable woman who directed the Chicago Maternity Center from 1931…
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Book Review: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon
During the reign of Queen Victoria in England (1819 – 1901) women had less freedom, less rights than women today. Susannah Spurgeon lived during this time period (1832 -1903). Yet, she was well educated, developed her literary gifts and was an active partner with her famous husband. I found it…
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Reading About Women: Fictional and Real Women
The local library is a great institution. When I was a child my parents brought us to the public library regularly. I have always enjoyed reading stories. Now I read widely to be informed, to learn and for enjoyment. I read to become a better writer. Today I picked up…
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Supporting Mothers: The Hike for Life
Over the years I have often participated in the Hike for Life on Mother’s Day weekend. It has been a family event, children included. In the 1990s we hiked along the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Yesterday my daughter reminded me of her first hike. It was the…
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Celebrating Life on Planned Parenthood’s Anniversary
As Planned Parenthood celebrates their 100 year anniversary, I choose to mourn the lives lost and the wounds that many women carry. Although Planned Parenthood portrays itself as woman’s health care, its most lucrative business is abortion. It masquerades as compassionate care. I give thanks for the growing…