Telling the Truth

connecting the dots of my life

Category: Family

February 25, 2015

Dear Dad, Do you remember the lilac bush…

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Orchid Display at Longwood Gardens

Dear Dad,
Do you remember the lilac bush right next to our back porch? I checked it out this morning while I was eating breakfast. It has beautiful pink buds on its branches, and fringy flower buds emerging at the ends. I haven’t seen any crocus yet. David took this photo in May 2012. I thought it might bring back memories of our past visits to Longwood Gardens.

Not to rush, but my main topic today is YOU! Read the rest of this entry »

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February 20, 2015

Is that You at the door? | Dear God

Dear God,
I ended my last letter with a question: “When I go to the door to open it to You (the stranger), how will I know it’s You?” I’ve been puzzling over my question all week. Read the rest of this entry »

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February 19, 2015

A Lesson in Deep South Manners

I don’t even remember her name. Her mother, Mrs. Jeaudon (called by her first name), was the cook and household helper for Dr. and Mrs. Turner.  Mr. Jeaudon (called by his first name) took care of the yard work around their house. Read the rest of this entry »

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February 18, 2015

moss-laden oaks loom

In 1950 we moved from Southern California to the Deep South. I was 7 ½. This haiku and poem capture my night-time introduction to our new rural community. We’re about 15 miles outside Savannah, Georgia.

Elouise's avatarTelling the Truth

moss-laden oaks, magenta azaleas

moss-laden oaks loom
magenta azaleas blaze
deep south path through woods 

* * *

Late summer, 1950

It’s past midnight

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February 18, 2015

Dear Dad, It’s African American History Month.

Race in Deep South 1950s, o-GR-900

Dear Dad,
It’s African American History Month, and I’ve been thinking about our family history in the Deep South during the 1950s. We moved there from Southern California in the early 1950s. Total culture shock for me. I wonder what it was like for you.

I never knew you as anything but my father the ordained clergyman. Read the rest of this entry »

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February 16, 2015

A ‘Real’ Writer?

I’m thinking about my letters to Dad and to Mom. In particular, what I see clearly now that I hadn’t recognized before. I am, and have been for years, a committed writer. A ‘real’ writer! Furthermore, writing these letters has clarified that for me, writing takes priority over Read the rest of this entry »

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February 15, 2015

Dear Mom, An old photo and a poem…

Elouise at 9 months 1

Dear Mom,
An old photo and a poem–just for you. I think Dad took the photo. It’s one of my favorites. It’s August 23, 1944. I’m 9 months old, and you’re 23. You look beautiful and happy. Probably because Dad was home for a one-day visit before going back to the TB sanatorium. Read the rest of this entry »

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February 13, 2015

A Story for Diane | Dear Diane,

Dear Diane,
I’ve been thinking about you all day. Missing you and grateful you’re at rest. Following your death in 2006, David and I flew to Houston, rented a car, and came to the funeral home for your viewing, the evening before your funeral service. Read the rest of this entry »

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January 28, 2015

Dear Mom, Here’s a haiku. . .

Momma Possom near Old Montgomery House

mother and babies
make their way through grass and weeds
one step at a time
* * *

Dear Mom,
Here’s a haiku I wrote just for you! Read the rest of this entry »

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January 16, 2015

Diane, the “fair carpet” and God

After living with ALS for 10 years, my sister Diane died in spring 2006.  This week I’ve been reading through some of my Houston journal notes.  I kept them when I flew to Houston to visit Diane.  As I read, I couldn’t help noticing how often Read the rest of this entry »

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