by Margaret Philbrick | Feb 20, 2021 | Death, Dying, Loss
There are many things in life that we say we’ll never do. Serving wet dog food to our dog is definitely one of them. Alas, she is 16 and we are facing those dreadful declining dog years when we carry her down the stairs to go out in the morning. Sometimes we...
by Margaret Philbrick | Jan 5, 2021 | Art
As a writer I’m drawn to large projects that are years in the making. Yet, focused work on my current manuscript can feel limited: not all of life is contained in Renaissance Italy (hint, hint the manuscript for my new novel is done:)! For our anniversary, my husband...
by Margaret Philbrick | May 10, 2020 | Death, Dying, Loss
Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day in heaven! I’m not surprised, even in dying you did everything right and God took perfect care of you. Thank you for staying alive until you could see, wave, smile and talk to all our children out the window. Thank you for fulfilling a...
by Margaret Philbrick | May 8, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Mom, I am so proud of you! It’s been a week since the Coronavirus came to your wing of the building and you are hanging in there. The healthcare workers are doing everything they can to get you over this little set-back you’re experiencing. Thank them today!...
by Margaret Philbrick | May 6, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Mom, Whenever I say to dad on the phone, “I have good news and bad news, which do you want first?” He always says, “Let’s get the bad news out of the way.” The bad news today is that someone you know on your floor died of the Covid19 virus last night. He...
by Margaret Philbrick | May 3, 2020 | Uncategorized
Hi Mom! Happy Sunday:) What a joy to see you through your window yesterday— Smiling! Sue from the front desk unlocked the gate into your courtyard so I could stand outside the window and chat with you LIVE for the first time since the middle of March. That’s when the...
by Margaret Philbrick | Apr 28, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Mama, Today is my college roommate Sally’s birthday! As you know, we were roommates all four years and we are still dearest buddies who share the joys of raising kids, (she has triplets) hard challenges with our parents (not you, of course) and life with our...
by Margaret Philbrick | Apr 24, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Mom, Greetings smiley, sweet Nana! We received a call last night with the unfortunate news that a Coronavirus case has been confirmed down in your memory care wing. The good news is that it is NOT a resident there, but rather a staff member. These faithful...
by Margaret Philbrick | Apr 21, 2020 | Art
Dear Mom, I just finished reading a book about the life and art of one of our favorite contemporary painters, Jim Ingwersen. We’ve often visited his gallery on Old Stage Road and sat beneath the grape arbor talking to he and Phyllis about his alla prima portrait...
by Margaret Philbrick | Apr 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Mom, Happy Easter! We are so thankful that Mercy and the talented staff at your facility took the time to do your hair for Easter. Look at how you impressed the Easter bunny! In the midst of stay-at-home celebrating today we are reminiscing about one of your...