Marilyn R. Gardner's Blog

We gathered yesterday at our home to share the Thanksgiving feast with friends. When it comes to Thanksgiving, none of my background overseas figures into the meal. I am completely committed to what I view… More

The direct flight from Istanbul to Boston leaves at 3:35 in the afternoon from Istanbul’s main airport. It is a 9-10 hour flight, depending on the winds, arriving in Boston around 6:05 in the evening.… More

This morning, moments before Divine Liturgy began, I found out that two beloved people from our church had died during the night. One death was expected, one was completely unexpected. It was a gift to… More

I’ve felt a lot of sadness in these past weeks. Part of it is from some things going on in my own life, part is seeing friends go through extraordinary difficulties, and part of it… More

It’s a gorgeous early fall day and I’m thinking about death. Don’t worry – it’s not as morbid as it may sound. Here’s how it began: I wrote last week about heading to a coffee… More

I’m at my favorite Rockport coffee shop, the one that boldly states “Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.” It’s a gloomy day, the first we’ve had in a… More

The beach is deserted, the sand still untouched by feet aching for the feel of salty ocean waves on toes that love to be free. A red lifeguard seat sits empty, no need for bored… More

It’s so quiet in the house. There is no Francis telling me about the Chicago Transit Authority with his detailed maps drawn on plain white paper. There is no Samuel playing Lego, putting bricks together… More

I’m from bright red chili peppers and yellow turmeric, from spicy chicken curry and hot chapatis, from chocolate brownies and burgers on the 4th of July. I’m from the Call to Prayer echoing across our… More

I hesitate to write this. I am much more comfortable with chasing beauty and proclaiming good then in writing the hard. But I’m increasingly uncomfortable with my own silence in a world that is suffering.… More