Tag Archives: family

prodigal child

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Linnea Ashley

Growing up I never understood the story of the prodigal son. I mean, I knew the story, but I always identified more with the son who never strayed. Far from the perfect child, i was – however – the contrast … Continue reading →

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not right but better…

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Linnea Ashley

It wasn’t a happy conversation. My family gathered in the kitchen – a rare occurrence now that my sister and I are grown and gone from the house, her married with a family of her own. But there we were, … Continue reading →

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Multitudes

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Linnea Ashley

Reconciling my own feelings about working overseas in development is difficult enough. Is there harm done? To what extent? Is there good? Does it make up for the bad? I don’t believe good intentions are enough, that something is always … Continue reading →

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packages of care

Posted on November 9, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

I was returned to my college days, my peace corps ones. returned to the joy that a tiny slip of paper in my mailbox can conjure. Yesterday I got a package from my parents. And the timing couldn’t have been … Continue reading →

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ICU lament

Posted on October 13, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

She lay there. Still. Mechanical breath raising and lowering her chest with a slight pause – a stutter in the system. The monitors flashed green and red, moaned indecipherably, whirs and screeches that – unmet by rushing attendants – were … Continue reading →

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blood is the least of it

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

Iganga Town, Uganda September 1, 2010 “I’m thinking about Columbia.” My mother’s perfect composure cracked and she whispered fiercely, “why do you always have to go so far away?” I’d just gotten back from South Africa and my mother mistook … Continue reading →

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hello goodbye again

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

Despite being well versed, hell- down right prolific, in both the art and execution of farewells; they wear on me. Not simply the act of saying goodbye – but the brief intervals between the ends…the end of the job or … Continue reading →

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Another Bright Spot

Posted on March 26, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

Too much time had passed. And while we’d connected briefly (and infrequently) by phone, the tangible is better than the verbal, especially where family is concerned. so I headed south to see the Brights and bask in the laughter and … Continue reading →

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foreign in language

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

“how old is he?” The he in question was toddling about, intermittently crying for no particular reason and grinning at me from behind his cohort Samuel. “he is two.” “and…?” I pointed at Samuel. “he is 18 months. Breastfed,” my … Continue reading →

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Brightspot

Posted on January 13, 2010 by Linnea Ashley

I’ve been trying to write about my Brightspots. Words evade me despite the sincerest appreciation I have. And appreciation is dull and lifeless in my explanation. But I continue to try to clarify how family is sometimes blood and sometimes … Continue reading →

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