In college, playwright Louise V. Gray had a passionate romance with another young writer. Then just before their wedding, the relationship faltered and they went their separate ways. Now years later, Gray is still grateful for that time with her lover.
Jane Martin believes in love, but not the wild and impetuous, Romeo-and-Juliet kind of love. She learned through her father that "old love" can be just as sweet.
When a friend was diagnosed with lung cancer, Patricia James didn't quite know what to do or say at first. But then she realized exactly what she needed to do: just show up.
Some think love comes from the mind or the heart, but St. Louis teacher and poet John Samuel Tieman believes love is in the hands—such as the hands of a cherished spouse, or a talented craftsman. Tieman says we can find the sacred in human touch.
In his youth, Lawrence Kessenich often clashed with his father over politics and religion, but he also admired his dad’s commitment to helping the poor and homeless. Now Kessenich believes he must do his part for the needy out of love for his father.
Psychologist Mary Plouffe makes her living with words: In the life details her patients share, and in the counsel she offers in return. But Plouffe has come to believe that the best opportunities for healing may come when no words are spoken at all.
When Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow’s youngest sister, Ivy (second from left), died in a plane crash at age 16, the remaining siblings decided to always honor the love they had shared. In doing so, Chaplik-Aleskow (far right) believes Ivy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
As a child, Lee Reeves decided to silence her singing voice after an awkward school experience with “Three Blind Mice.” But when her daughter was born, Reeves rediscovered her voice and the beauty of singing – no matter how badly – to a loved one.
Joe Reagan used to believe caring for his wife and kids was entirely up to him. But when hard times struck and friends offered to help feed his family, Reagan realized the grace of God was at work in his life in ways he hadn’t previously understood.
