Loss

Yesterday in New York

Published in: Loss

Early this morning as I sat outside sipping my morning coffee, I glanced up at the sky and took this photograph. Yesterday was raining; today the clouds began to lift and the sky unfolded to resemble the one I remember so clearly from this day, 14 years ago. I remember, after being nearly hypnotized by the images unfolding live on television, suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge to get … [Read more...] about Yesterday in New York

The Case of the Missing Mojo

Published in: Death of a parent, Friends, Happiness, Loss

My mojo has left me. I'm not sure what I did to offend it. I'm searching for answers. I wonder if this is why... Last week, I took a little time off. My BFF came all the way from California to visit. We hadn't seen one another since January, and I was guilty of being just a wee bit excited. Much more than a wee bit, if you really want to know. The day before Ellen arrived, I sat down at my … [Read more...] about The Case of the Missing Mojo

Why I Chose to Have a Prophylactic Mastectomy

Published in: Cancer, Celebrities in the News, Happiness, Health, Loss

Angelina Jolie was not the only one to choose a prophylactic mastectomy. I did, too. - but for different reasons. (Thank you, Angelina, for making it public. You've given me the courage to write about it for the very first time. And now, I can't imagine why I was silent for so long). When I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 25 years ago, the words "prophylactic mastectomy" were not … [Read more...] about Why I Chose to Have a Prophylactic Mastectomy

Boston and Our Children

Published in: Losing someone you love, Loss, Tragedy, Violence

We baby boomers had relatively peaceful childhoods, with a relatively so-called optimistic view of the world. Of course, there are always those who might have had volatile home or other lives,...but I'm not talking about that. I'm referring to our overall feeling of security and peace. I'm sad for our children, and their children. (I don't want to go beyond this, because I'm trying to be … [Read more...] about Boston and Our Children

The Newtown School Shootings: A Most Unfortunate Way to Reconcile a Death

Published in: Cancer, Death, Death of a parent, Esophageal cancer, Gun control, Losing a parent, Losing someone you love, Loss, Tragedy, Violence, War on cancer

As I sit here this Monday morning, it's so hard to make sense out of my emotions, which are flip-flopping through my crowded mind, competing for attention. I am grieving the death of my father, who passed away on Friday. But on top of that, I'm also grieving – along with the rest of the world – the 20 young children who died that same day in Newtown, just 30 minutes from my home here in … [Read more...] about The Newtown School Shootings: A Most Unfortunate Way to Reconcile a Death

On Not Being Somebody’s Child

Published in: Chronic Diseases, Death, Esophageal cancer, Letting go, Losing a parent, Losing someone you love, Loss, Midlife, Parents

I've managed to live this long - 58 years - still being someone else's child. I may be an adult child...but nonetheless, there's something strangely comforting about being in your 50s and still having a mother and a father. And although I may be fooling myself, being someone else's child makes me feel less like an adult in this so-called midlife, and more like a (somewhat) young … [Read more...] about On Not Being Somebody’s Child

A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

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I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

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