Author Archives: Just Stephanie

The Future of This Blog – A Goodbye

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Just Stephanie

…As I navigate the rubble of my almost complete demise, I realize I’m a tiny part of a massive thing. When there’s nothing left, God, I find that You Are. thoughts, awakening moments, October 24, 2022 In many ways, my … Continue reading →

Posted in A Thankful Heart, Just Being Real, The Year True (2022) | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Photograph – Death of a Hero

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Just Stephanie

No one can stand for long on the slippery slope of a pedestal. And I am the one who put Dad there. Continue reading →

Posted in Facing the Monsters, Just Being Real, Parent Stories, The Year True (2022) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Last Night

Posted on December 31, 2021 by Just Stephanie

Last night (metaphorically speaking) the earth rumbled. I felt it in my body. My heart cracked. Through it all, I prayed. I sat, staring. I hurt. I cried. I relaxed. I went through some motions. I lay awake. I slept. … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Being Real, The Year True (2022) | 2 Comments

The Year True

Posted on December 25, 2021 by Just Stephanie

How many times have I named a year in advance and changed my mind at the last minute? Several. Standing here now, on Christmas Day, 2021, I’m not sure I have it in me to explain. But I’m still typing. … Continue reading →

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Goodbye, Dear Marlon

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Just Stephanie

Marlon, the kitten, disappeared from my house after only a week. I don’t know what happened to him, but I haven’t ever seen him, again. It broke my heart, not knowing. I loved Marlon, and he was kind to me. … Continue reading →

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Marlon

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Just Stephanie

The kitten appeared on my woodpile, after I saw The Godfather for the first time. So, I dubbed him (or her), Marlon. The little thing scurried away, startled, as I dug roots nearby on that soggy, gray afternoon, and my … Continue reading →

Posted in A Thankful Heart, Just Being Real, The Year Higher (2021) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Time’s Always Right

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Just Stephanie

…to fix what’s wrong.

Posted in Facing the Monsters, The Year Higher (2021) | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Planting the Daisies

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Just Stephanie

Today is the day, Allie. I planted the daisies. We were going to do this together, I thought, on the one empty plot in the Cooke/Cox site, but looking back, I think this was more my dream, anyway. We talked … Continue reading →

Posted in Sister Stories, The Year Higher (2021) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Letter to a Friend

Posted on February 15, 2021 by Just Stephanie

Dear Becky, You left this world on Christmas Day, and somehow, I think that is fitting. I have your obituary photo on my salvaged, chipped-paint desk. Each time I pass it, I touch your face, and cry. I miss you. … Continue reading →

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2021: Higher

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Just Stephanie

2020 was a year I called New. I thought I understood things. But in 2020, it became more apparent that ever that I didn’t. Far in advance, I decided to name 2021 Higher. Let’s go. (Habakkak 3:19, and Psalm 19:1-2, … Continue reading →

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