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My husband, Bill, recovering from minor surgery, slept in the downstairs bedroom. Rather than bother him during the night, I slept on the sofa a few feet from the door to the bedroom so I could hear … more

Phyllis Henry | 2/1/23

I’ve Got Wheels

I can’t walk anymore, so I move around in a power wheelchair. One young friend was surprised to learn that the chair must be plugged in at night to recharge. Because she had never seen me move … more

Phyllis Henry | 11/30/22

I See London

The summer when I was 6 years old, I spent hours hanging from the big oak tree behind the garage. Between me and the oak branch were two ropes, each tied to a suspended 16-inch ring. If I hung onto … more

Phyllis Henry | 6/1/22

What To Do About Mom?

Three meals a day are served in the dining room at the independent living facility where I live. Recently at lunchtime I noticed a new resident sitting alone. After I asked her if I could join her, I … more

Phyllis Henry | 1/28/22

Saturday Night

Colleen was sitting on the steps in front of her brick house when my dad parked our green Dodge, and I rushed to see her. Her house was the biggest and nicest one in Lincoln, Iowa, very grand when … more

Phyllis Henry | 10/28/21

Promises, Salted and Pure

Promises are not written in stone, or even wet cement. They are soft and squishy and easily manipulated into shapes that only slightly resemble the original. When I Googled “promise,” the … more

Phyllis Henry | 8/28/21

A Bridge For Troubled Waters

In the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol at the memorial service for William (Billy) Evans, the Capitol policeman who was recently killed, the U.S. Army Quartet sang “Like a Bridge Over Troubled … more

Phyllis Henry | 4/28/21

Another Time

When I Google “alone” I find a bunch of synonyms: single, friendless, solitary, lone, lonesome and more. I’m alone a lot these COVID-19 days. Today I spoke six words. Each time a … more

Phyllis Henry | 2/24/21

Eureka

One afternoon back in the late ’70s, my husband Bill and I were resting on a little bench that used to be situated inside the Panda House at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Through the big … more

Phyllis Henry | 12/30/20

Jump the Waves

The first time I swam in the Atlantic Ocean — actually, I never swam in the Atlantic Ocean or any other large body of water. When I was 6 years old a bunch of relatives on my mother’s … more

Phyllis Henry | 10/29/20

The Edge

My 4-year-old and I were talking about running and I was telling her about different sports she can try if she wants to one day, like track, swim team, crew team, volleyball, tennis, softball, … more

Phyllis Henry | 8/27/20

Reality Check

I’m 89 years old. I’m doing fine. My apartment is pleasant and my balcony has a nice view. Three meals a day and snacks are delivered to my door. Packages appear … more

Phyllis Henry | 5/1/20

Dusting Memories

Some words change our lives. “You have a full scholarship.” “The cancer is in remission.” “You will be giving birth to twins.” The words loom in our … more

Phyllis Henry | 12/6/19

Sunny Yellow Flower Garden

As I walked down the dusty gravel road, carrying my brown paper lunch bag, happily anticipating the first day of school in the second grade, I twirled … more

Phyllis Henry | 9/1/19

Coast to Coast

On a hot Saturday night in July our family ate supper a bit early and then Dad washed the dishes while Mom got the rest of us ready to celebrate the marriage of my … more

Phyllis Henry | 6/1/19