At much too early an hour, I shuffled—half-eyed—into the hallway and found Dave and Evelyn. “She’s not feeling well. I’m getting her some grapes,” Dave said. I felt Evelyn’s forehead. Too hot. Concerning. As I entered the kitchen, a sound emerged from her body that left no doubt about what was coming next. Dave andContinue reading “Room For Improvement”
Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl
The Art of Showing Up
I don’t want to write.I don’t want to write.I don’t want to write.I don’t want to write.I don’t want to write. I have a headache.The blue light from my computer is probably the culprit—not failing vision, thankfully.It’s been a long workday. But here I am. Writing anyway.Not because I have something profound to say, butContinue reading “The Art of Showing Up”
This Is Who I Am (Book Part 33)
Prior I follow behind Kent in my car, careful to keep my distance as we wind through the hills of this majestic terrain. The layered reds, browns, and creams remind me of the inside of a fancy cake. I reach for my camera to capture the view, but the motion blurs everything. Eventually, a gravelContinue reading “This Is Who I Am (Book Part 33)”
Love it Or List It
Can I start with my eyes? I’ve known for a few months now that they get tired. That they gently water. They love to rest when closed. I’ve also known I should probably try on some +1.25 reading glasses—just to see if my close-up vision is starting to shift. So, I stopped by the pharmacyContinue reading “Love it Or List It”
How Not to Burn Your Hand on a Hot Conversation
You might think I’d be facing the pool, where Evelyn is testing out the still-curled, Styrofoam-like floatie that looks like a magic carpet, and Dave, still travel-drained, sits poolside absorbed in his Kindle. But no, I’m turned towards the West, where the bird feeding and watering station stands. The latest addition is a suet blockContinue reading “How Not to Burn Your Hand on a Hot Conversation”
The Rhythm Between Things
My Reddit post about the street artist in San Nicholas, Aruba, has reached 4,500 views. One person said they’re traveling there next month and plan to stop by; another asked for her address. I’m genuinely touched by the response. It feels like I’m getting to pay forward the love she showed me—that quiet trust, thatContinue reading “The Rhythm Between Things”
Aruban Magic
It’s layover time. “Somewhere Only We Know” plays over the airport speaker as Dave and I sing along, our Bonefish Grill meal settling in. You should know—we completed our Aruban quest. A self-imposed mission filled with missteps, perseverance, and just enough magic to showcase the beauty of the human spirit. Our adventure led us toContinue reading “Aruban Magic”
From Dread to Drift
I was on death’s doorstep in my dream. It stretched on endlessly—long, agonizing. I had “final talks” with friends and felt tortured by the fear of my body’s painful decline. I took a medication that frightened me, something like chemo—poisonous and healing all at once. With only worse and worser options ahead, I bobbed inContinue reading “From Dread to Drift”
Know When to Fold ‘Em
Wind whipping in the breeze—not all that different from the rustling palm fronds nearby—I take my everything bagel with cream cheese, some undercooked bacon, and half a glass of orange juice outside. The constant mechanical hum of the air conditioner, along with its unnatural chill, pushes me out here. That, and the quiet pull toContinue reading “Know When to Fold ‘Em”
Going On 40 