“Assisted Hatching,” an essay by Christine Caulfield.
The complicated quest to conceive. “To be barren was like having leprosy …” Image by Matthew Henry. We used to joke about being barren. Before we started trying to have a baby, when we were just talking about it, my partner and I would see in everything signs that I was barren and laugh. To be barren...
“Aunt Milwee’s Balm,” a memoir by Chris Carbaugh.
A home remedy unites mourners after its maker’s death. “Milwee was certain that her uncle’s formula was a panacea for countless ailments, aches, and pains: ‘Just rub some on and expect a miracle to occur.’” Saint Mary Magdalene with ointment jar. Illuminated manuscript, c. 1470. There was a strange assortment of people observing the funeral of my aunt...
“Parenting in the Negative,” an essay by Will Stockton. On deficits in the adoption of an older child.
“David said that he hated school, which meant teachers and other students: ‘They get me in trouble.’ Home-schooling would allow him to spend more time with us, he said.” Photograph by Chad Hunt. 2019. – This feature is available, in slightly different format, on Medium. – Parenting in the Negative Deficits in the adoption of...
“Passing Through,” an essay by Lise Funderburg.
Identity among the thrift-store racks. “Some days this room seems like a testament to folly and wastefulness. Other days, this day, it speaks of people just trying to live their lives.” Courtesy of Whosoever Gospel Mission. – “Passing Through” I was making my rounds the other day, practicing the heart-gladdening, soul-soothing, work-avoiding art of thrift-shopping. I’ve thrifted almost...
“Midge’s Bite,” a memoir by Donna Lynn Marsh. Art by Gale Rothstein.
Childhood fears swell into adult insecurities. A rulebook. “There is something attractive in the intense itch, something satisfying in the scratching that I cannot resist. I know this makes it worse, makes it last longer, but sometimes, I can’t stop, can’t help it.” Gale Rothstein, “She Dreams of Her Disappointing LIfe that MIght Have Been, Then...
