security – Signora Sheila

Never an Orphan

Cropped child in a gray sweater and jeans holds a floppy brown teddy bear against a textured beige wall, evoking comfort and loneliness.

Growing up, I thought I was an orphan, unwanted and abandoned by my “real” family. I imagine many kids have such thoughts, possibly influenced by books or movies. But in my case, these thoughts came from my own family and friends. “Is Sheila adopted?” family friends would ask. “She doesn’t look like anyone in theContinueContinue reading “Never an Orphan”

The Wise Woman with a Stone

Farm woman carrying a woven basket walks through lush rice terraces, with a small hut and misty hills glowing in warm morning light.

If you could leave behind only one thing what would it be? Wealth and possessions? Family heirlooms? For me those aren’t even in the running. Not only because I have few such things to leave behind. But above all, I hope to leave a lasting legacy. Leaving a legacy I may not be remembered forContinueContinue reading “The Wise Woman with a Stone”