I recently posted a story about the shame I experienced due to estrangement in my family; a family I used to think was as close to perfect as it could be. Such feelings are pervasive enough in our society that family estrangement has been called the “silent epidemic.” It seems…
Some time ago, I posted a blog describing a breakup in my family, some of the reasons it may have occurred, and my role in creating the suffering. In response to the post, I received a flood of personal emails and phone calls from close friends and family who had…
My Father and I Sitting Next to One Another Left Front “Anna, you know that I’m writing my memoir. Can you help me fill in some missing pieces? I remember Dad beating me until I was bloody. But do you remember what I did to…?” My…
I’m walking along Avenue Kléber in Paris with Louis, my 11-year-old grandson. We turn left onto Rue Boissière on our way to Place Victor Hugo. As Louis jumps over each of the metal posts along the sidewalk, I gaze around me at the city of my dreams. Remembering the time…
As I said in a blog earlier this week, Ed and I have been touring Europe with Louis, our 11-year-old grandson, visiting five countries in seven days. When we entered the Notre Dame this afternoon, I sucked in my breath, as memories of my time studying in Paris back in…
Today Ed and I put our 11-year-old grandson Louis on a flight alone (as an unaccompanied minor) from London to Newark, with a plane change in Reykjavik. This photo is a selfie we took at the airport. Louis turned around to face us just before going around the corner of…