Monthly Archives: December 2024

I don’t know whether it was a great year or a horrible year. It was a year. I will enter this new year without one person with whom I thought I’d have many more years. I thought I’d leave this … Continue reading →

I have always believed that the fallout of Vietnam, the upheaval of the 1960s, the economy, and Watergate collectively took a nosedive right into President Carter’s lap. President Ford’s term in office was the buffer period that allowed us to … Continue reading →

The medical specialists, based on my medical history, believe I’ve dealt with Multiple Sclerosis, MS, since I was about eight years old but somehow managed to deal with it. These past four years, following my diagnosis with RRMS, I’ve been … Continue reading →

“Bailey, smile.” Bailey would throw back her head and show her teeth. “Bailey, wiggle.” Bailey would remain still, except for the butt wiggle which earned her name of “Miss Wigglesbottom.” Baby Girl had a signature black heart when she curled … Continue reading →

I arrived at my favorite Mexican restaurant for an early dinner. After stepping inside the door, I removed my jacket and an older, hefty gentleman and his wife walked past me. The gentleman looked down at my shoes and at … Continue reading →

Eleven years ago on Christmas night, after what seemed like a comedy of errors or events, I returned from Mason, Ohio with two sisters, Bailey and Harrigan, born October 25th. Harrigan, 25 Oct 2013 Bailey, 25 Oct 2013 – 28 … Continue reading →

11 years ago today, Chief and I took several long walks on Christmas Day, each of us dealing with the grief of his sister’s tragic accident on the 21st. Later that night, the world changed as Bailey and Harrigan joined … Continue reading →

When I first moved to Dayton in August 1990, the first person I met was Sarah Koogler. A few years later, I met her husband, Bob, when I began directing music and theatre at Normandy United Methodist Church. Later, Bob, … Continue reading →

Today, Rick would have turned 61. We were nine months apart on age and from September to December did we share the same age. He’s been gone almost 35 years… 21 December 1963 – 10 April 1990 This photograph was … Continue reading →

Eleven years ago, tonight, my son, Joshua and I drove three year old Navi to the emergency vet after she was struck by a van in front of our house. Although she appeared physically fine, her internal injuries were too … Continue reading →

Born on this date in 1897 was my maternal great-grandmother, Mary “Belle” Iones Clary. Belle was the daughter of Joel, Monroe Jones and Anna Greenlee Jones of Boone Township, Madison County, Indiana. She married John William “Garrett” Clary of nearby … Continue reading →

The aching is never ending…

My birth father, Danny Lee Jolliff, died on this date in 1984. Danny L. Jolliff, 22 Mar 1942-17 Dec 1984.

Saturday, I had a double shift for THE NUTCRACKER. Schuster is always such a beautiful, brilliant gem at night.

Chief has shown a remarkable improvement. I am always relieved to hear his “yap” in the quintet’s chorus when I return, and I am enthralled to see him at the gate to greet me.

I was home from Schuster Center by 10:15 PM having left the house at 10:45 AM. I had two shifts of THE NUTCRACKER. In the middle of the night I got up to use the bathroom and returned to Colonel … Continue reading →

While there’s been marked improvement in his behavior, Chief is still not perky. He had not been drinking water, so I thawed one of the sandwich bags of the Kroger rotisserie chicken I had pulled apart and gave him half, … Continue reading →

Chief did go out to potty around 11 AM but still refused to eat or drink water. I returned at 2 PM from lunch and Chief was at the gate to greet me with Harrigan and Erma. He ate his … Continue reading →

Chief suddenly began an immediate decline on Wednesday night after returning inside from the 11:30 PM potty break. He was fine prior to going out and came inside with reluctance and some incoherence. This morning, he’s not moved and barely … Continue reading →

I’m still at Victoria Theatre while the guest artists, The Peterson Family Band, wraps up their post-show meet and greet. The legendary Victoria is subtly and tastefully decorated. I’m ready to go home and sleep.

Today is December 6th, one month since my world lost its light. Wednesday marked four weeks but today marks the month. I am amazed at the human spirit and how it can continue moving forward during these hideous moments. I … Continue reading →

It could be four-thousand weeks… the aching heart finds little comfort. Life moves on. Somehow. I feel as though I’m merely walking through life without fully participating in it. Automatically doing typical day-to-day things without processing what’s being accomplished. The … Continue reading →