Girl Drew

The original post has been updated below. It's no secret that I write a lot about grief — it's been a significant part of my life. Today, I'm writing about a different kind of grief. In fact, a part of me is ashamed to even acknowledge it, but here goes. A few months ago, I discovered an amazing new drink — Coca-Cola's Fanta Dragon Fruit Zero Sugar. I absolutely love it, and I've just learned that it's only available until July 10, 2022 —which is just two-and-a-half weeks awa

This beautiful ring used to adorn my husband's hand, but now it’s in the bottom drawer of my bedside table. When Ramón was going into the hospital for his bone marrow transplant, he decided not to wear the ring for fear that he'd lose it in the month that we'd be there. Ramón often took his ring on and off throughout the day. He routinely removed it to eat, and we joked that he had to remain faithful to his first true love — food. Then, while in the hospital, one setback led

I cut my left hand this morning. It was nothing serious, but it warranted the use of antiseptic spray. As I got the bottle out of the bathroom drawer, a memory came to me. I could recall the exact moment Ramón and I purchased that spray a decade ago. (That means I’m sure it’s expired, so I’ll let you know if this becomes a cautionary tale.) We’d gone jogging together near our condo in Chamblee. As we were running, I stepped on an uneven piece of sidewalk and fell face first d

Today, as I sat on a bench in the backyard, I was overcome with gratitude. I admired a happy Noodle, a beautiful sky, plants in bloom, and this amazing little house that is home to my soul. I wanted to live forever in that moment. Life felt damn near perfect. And though my life has not been perfect in the objective sense, deep down it feels strangely flawless. Almost 15 years ago, a counselor said something I filed away: “Depression is a full feeling.” At the time, I knew exa