Category Archives: children

The Breathin’ Part

Posted on April 8, 2016 by sandrapaldrich

Nancy Bingham Farley Years ago, when my beloved grandmother Mama Farley died at age ninety, my husband, Don, and I decided our then five-year-old daughter, Holly, and six-year-old son, Jay, would attend the Kentucky funeral with us. During the long … Continue reading →

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Posted in a child's wisdom, aging, ancestors, Appalachia, children, confidence, encouragement, faith, families, funerals, grief, heaven, Kentucky | Leave a comment

Zetta’s Coal Camp Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

After a restless night, Zetta dressed quietly and slipped into the kitchen. The snow still was falling. She watched the soot absorb the flakes, then picked up an orange from yesterday’s school party and breathed deeply of its fragrance before … Continue reading →

Posted in Appalachia, Book: Zetta's Dream, children, Christmas, Coal Camps, families, Kentucky | Leave a comment

Asking for Help

Posted on August 18, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

For varying reasons, I often find it difficult to ask for help. Maybe you nodded at my confession because of your own previous requests that resulted in a scolding or rejection. But we all need help at one time or … Continue reading →

Posted in children, prayer, Psalm 46:1, rescue, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families, widows | Leave a comment

Trusting in Another’s Help

Posted on July 30, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

As a friend lamented her estranged son’s absence, I remembered a time when I had protected someone else’s child. I promised to pray for the same help for my friend’s son. Years ago I was in Jerusalem’s Old City, marveling at the … Continue reading →

Posted in children, helping others, Jerusalem, prayer, rescue | Leave a comment

Life Among the Dinosaurs

Posted on March 4, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

Have you ever experienced a moment when you realized you are older than you thought? I had one of those recently as I read a children’s book from the early 1990s to my young grandson, Noah. One of the characters … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, children, grandchildren, grandmothers, phones | Leave a comment

Everyday Guilt–and a Cat Named Petey

Posted on December 22, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

How are you at dealing with everyday guilt? If you are a mom like me, you know what I mean. Guilt over not hanging outside Christmas lights. Guilt over giving your child’s teacher a gift card for Christmas instead of … Continue reading →

Posted in cats, children, everyday guilt, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families | Leave a comment

Sweet Birthday Memories

Posted on October 5, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

What special memories do you associate with birthdays? Do you smile as you ponder a long-ago celebration? I like remembering my 34th birthday when my husband surprised me with a gathering of dear friends at our Michigan supper club. How … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, birthdays, children, counting blessings, families, God's presence, single mothers, single-parent families, widows | Leave a comment

Thank you, Doris Schumacher

Posted on October 1, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Has someone ever changed your life with just a few words? Years ago, that happened to me. In fact, a three-minute conversation gave me the vision to get an education. The summer before I entered seventh grade, I met Doris … Continue reading →

Posted in children, confidence, education, encouragement, helping others, mentors, perseverance, self-esteem, self-talk | Leave a comment

Concentrating on What I Have Left

Posted on October 6, 2012 by sandrapaldrich

Yesterday was my son’s birthday. And while I rejoice at this milestone, I am mindful he now is older than his dad, my husband, was before brain cancer swept in and changed our family forever. But I have choices. So … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, birthdays, children, families, grief, single mothers, single-parent families | 1 Comment