Syra Ruehle

Esther’s Adoration

The third installment of my awkward summer moment series. Before Esther came home for the summer, she told us that she wanted to become Catholic. This year she will be a college senior getting her philosophy degree from a catholic university. With Catholicism being a huge influence in her life, I suppose her decision isn’tContinue reading “Esther’s Adoration”

Summer Concert

There were three times last summer I felt awkward in a social setting. The first and worst was getting kicked out of the senior center which I already told you about. Then there was the awkward “amen” at the summer concert. It’s a good thing that people are generally forgiving. One of the highlights ofContinue reading “Summer Concert”

Senior Center

This summer I’ve felt out of place numerous times. The worst happened just a few weeks ago when I was kicked out of the senior center despite having permission to come from last year and feeling like I belonged there. My embroidery teacher only teaches at senior centers. One of the two centers I calledContinue reading “Senior Center”

Basil’s Summer

Basil insisted on driving the first hour out of Fort Worth on our South Padre Island vacation. He has a strong sense of ownership over my minivan. He said he was there to make sure we kept it clean, no snacking. I sat in the passenger seat because being an adult gives me front seatContinue reading “Basil’s Summer”

Beach Vacation

I’m lonely coming off our family vacation. Mike is working. Esther is back to studying and going off to adoration at the catholic church every day. She misses her college friends and the camaraderie that comes with being surrounded by deep thinkers. Sophia spent this week lying on her makeshift bed in the playroom watchingContinue reading “Beach Vacation”

Summer Hobbies

I’m taking advantage of my summer off of teaching school to be artistic and learn new things. Boxing class. 2. Pysanka Eggs 3. Flute: I can play one note (b) 4. Photography: My favorite pictures are of the building in which I take boxing lessons and of a bee and poppy in Eugene, Oregon. 5.Continue reading “Summer Hobbies”

25th Anniversary Trip Poem

Standing at the edge of the Atlantic, waves roll in ever nearer our feet. A fearsome roar of crashing water. The salty wind teases the hair blown loose from my scarf. There was an afternoon of wonderous splashing, Laughing with the delight of a child tickled by the gentle ocean swells. We spent every momentContinue reading “25th Anniversary Trip Poem”

Mother’s Day

Another Mother’s Day has come and gone. I woke up on Sunday missing Mom. Mother’s Day has always been about her. It feels fake to ask my kids to celebrate me. Mother’s Day came after Teacher Appreciation week which had me feeling good about myself. It put me in a better place to appreciate myContinue reading “Mother’s Day”

Anniversary of Mom’s Death

Last weekend was the third anniversary of Mom’s death. A week before her anniversary, I saw Mom in a dream. In the dream, I left the sanctuary to look for my kids in the fellowship hall of my church St. Barbara’s. Mom was shuffling from the side of the fellowship hall with the kitchen overContinue reading “Anniversary of Mom’s Death”

Sophia Home

I come out of this past month a little worse for wear but much happier. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I saw a face made round by the ten pounds put on by comfort chocolate and white hairs in my eyebrows. The new streaks of white along my brow weren’t totally unexpected,Continue reading “Sophia Home”