Life After Death

It’s a strange thing to offer thanks in April’s absence, but being thankful is such great medicine for being sad. On this Thanksgiving weekend, I could try to justify feeling sad, angry and missing April terribly, or I could try to convince you that I’m just peachy – write up some mumbo jumbo about how [...]

{ 7 comments }

Here is the story of macaroni & cheese, coleslaw and chocolate ice cream — three different comfort foods that played a role in two dear friendships. April and I met at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend, Tennessee in late May of 1992.  April was 17 that May – about to turn 18, and I was [...]

{ 0 comments }

An Introduction to the Sucker Punch A sucker punch is one thrown when the recipient isn’t looking, and that’s how I’ve come to think of grief.  When I was a kid, the sucker punch was a coveted asset of bullies and chickens alike, as it gave the bully an added edge over the kids they [...]

{ 8 comments }

Last night, my Love, we were swimming in the ocean below the gentle swells, the Moon turned down low. “Don’t be afraid of the Hydromedusae,” you said to me softly. “See? They don’t sting.” I agreed with a nod and reached for your hand, while whales sang bass medleys, and the Hydromedusae said “Your money is [...]

{ 1 comment }

Dear friends and family – here are some pictures of April that I love and wanted to share with you.  If you have pictures of April that you love and would like to share them with me — with everyone who reads the blog — please do. If you don’t know how to post them [...]

{ 2 comments }

I was just thinking about the strange way little things sneak up on you when you’re grieving for the loss of someone to whom you were very close.  It’s an odd thing to be OK, then open a drawer and suddenly find yourself crying over an almost-empty Super Glue. Every nook and cranny has something [...]

{ 5 comments }

When I spoke at April’s service, I told a small story of mine and April’s private lives together.  I want to put it down in writing on the blog, too, just in case you weren’t able to make it to her service. “Honey, what turns you on?” Being a typical guy, I asked the above [...]

{ 6 comments }

I was thinking yesterday, as I luxuriated on someone else’s well-maintained boat (thanks again Sam, Brad & Ben!), about what April said to me regarding the possibility of being taken early by cancer. I had been to see a licensed clinical social worker/counselor named Vicky Henderson (she’s absolutely wonderful) late the same afternoon that April [...]

{ 8 comments }

How to Fight the Unknown with Courage, Love, Optimism, and (the secret weapon) Grace [NOTE from Mac - Ryan is a dear friend who, after I asked if anyone else would like to write a post, wanted to share his thoughts on mine and April's story.  It would be awesome to live up to these [...]

{ 1 comment }