Ancestry
This year’s paprikash dinner was Shakespearean—brutal in its unintentional comedy and not without its tragedy.
Wait, You’re A Democrat?
It was refreshing to be on this side of the political spectrum, supportive of marginalized groups and new ideas. Republicans just didn’t seem to make time for that.
Reflections on Water (Five Memories)
I couldn’t see where the lake ended and land began. The white/grey of the snow and ice blended perfectly with the grey of the sky making it impossible to tell where the sky began.
Wrong Fit
From a purely practical perspective, it makes sense; these cuts will save the college money and Calvin can still claim to have a theatre program. But the decision lacks educational and artistic vision.
Bronze Age of the Nineties
These reflections confirm the intricacies of life, ultimately illustrating the album’s inner strength: that maturity is an act of becoming, often propelled by experiences of both trauma and joy.
Never Far From Home
I had been living in Boston for about two months at the time, and it only took one week to realize that the gay-to-straight ratio here is exponentially larger than in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Stella’s: The Monday Night Congregation
Fable, the pastor with early access to the communion wine, weaving, introduces guest speakers to deliver their personal sermons and stories of salvation.
Dog Days
I was ten and had three consuming desires in life: a yellow bedroom, an American Girl doll, and a dog. So I was devastated, but prepared to bargain.
Me and My Book
No one believes it. I didn’t believe it, until I grabbed the bumper, tried to lift, and realized I didn’t even know how to grip the thing. I’m writing about an experience I still don’t fully understand, and the sharing of it is even more incomprehensible.
My First and Last Meeting With Jack Teitsma
“Do you recognize this man?” One of the officers held out a picture of Jack. His toothy smile was unmistakable, although I noticed, even in the low-quality mug shot, an unfamiliar wildfire in his eyes. I nodded.
