My 25-year-old grandson is in prison on charges of breaking and entering. He calls me each week around 6:30 p.m. On a recent summer afternoon, he called two hours early, and...

Once when I was young, I spotted a ripe mango high in our tree and climbed to get it — a common practice in my village. But when I was high...

I received news that no one ever wants to hear. My three-month prenatal ultrasound showed no signs of a heartbeat. I would never hold my precious baby in my arms. The...

Sometimes after I put together an outfit that I think looks good, and more importantly is comfortable, my wife will look at me with a smile and ask, “Why are you...

Last year I was in the hospital for surgery to have my gallbladder removed. It was my first time under general anesthesia; but lying obediently on the gurney, I breathed myself...

We get calls from both our sons, but the younger one calls more frequently. He calls not only on birthdays and holidays, but every day. When I was still on staff...

I enjoy turning recycled junk into art. I take items that are going to be discarded — vintage tools, hardware, old china, tiles, game pieces, aluminum cans, and other everyday objects...

When I was a child, my home environment was filled with violence. I felt completely insignificant. When I was only seven or eight years old, I was depressed and harbored dark...

My ministry entails editing a newsletter to help inmates like me who are on death row. Recently, while I was organizing the next issue, an elderly inmate came to my cell...

It was a warm spring day — perfect for fishing. I felt such peace as my husband and I drifted along the calm lake in our inflatable boat. The sun warmed...