Author Archives: Kathy Simmons

Songs my Father Sang

One of my most treasured memories of my father was when he would sing to us. His serenades were not a constant, but occurred spontaneously, generally while he was driving. The destinations of those day trips I cannot recall. What I do remember is the feelings his singing evoked; safety, comfort, simple happiness, like steppingContinue reading “Songs my Father Sang”

Love Letter to Ireland – the Gift of My Mother

Happy St.Patrick’s Day☘️ Re-sharing. Dear Ireland, It is not the distinct and lonesome scent of burning turf from distant cottages.  Nor your fields of brilliant green.  It is not the timeless waterfalls that cascade in hidden woodland. Nor your winding rivers whose beauty inspire poets. It is not your majestic cliffs that stand like loyalContinue reading “Love Letter to Ireland – the Gift of My Mother”

Screwdriver Parties

Pulling into my driveway late one afternoon, my eyes fell upon a dark sedan sitting idly.  Unable to recognize a face through the tinted windows and noting a New Jersey plate, a state from which I knew no one, a slight feeling of unease ensued. And then as if in slow motion, a window wentContinue reading “Screwdriver Parties”

A farewell to springboard diving

“We had joy, we had fun we had seasons in the sun but the wine and the song like the seasons have all gone…” Terry Jacks, Seasons in the Sun “Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to” Dear Liam, I always believe you were meant to be a diver. IContinue reading “A farewell to springboard diving”

Ode to a Pheasant

I cannot say for certain when I first made his acquaintance or tell you the exact day he stole my heart.  We had just moved to a small town in Connecticut from New York City following the 9/11 tragedy.  Our new home’s family room sported an enormous glass window which overlooked the back yard, aContinue reading “Ode to a Pheasant”

The Lonely Sweater

Glancing in the window of a recently closed children’s consignment shop, I spotted this tiny orange sweater, hanging forlornly in the now abandoned store front.  This sad sight left me to ponder why this one vibrant item adorned in grinning teddy bears, remained. Perhaps a testament to a dream that was not to be orContinue reading “The Lonely Sweater”

Barbara Marshall

For Leslie “Mom, there’s a lady in the bushes,” said my six year old son nonchalantly. He sat fixated in front of the television, mesmerized by the dance moves of his very favorite group “The Wiggles,” icons of the ten-and-under set. The charismatic foursome clad in identical black pants and vividly colored tee shirts, wereContinue reading “Barbara Marshall”

Camera Shy

It is 3:30 PM on a balmy Friday afternoon and school has just let out for the weekend. My best friend Janet and I stroll down Plandome Road with no particular direction in mind. Our mood is jubilant, carefree. We chatter about the three most pressing matters in the life of a high school freshman;Continue reading “Camera Shy”

Lovely Lily

It is a Friday, late afternoon, and I have just gotten off the school bus. Walking up the front path of my Long Island home, I hear laughter from inside, amid the whirr of a blender. Following the sound of merriment to the kitchen, I spot my mother and my Aunt Lily sitting together atContinue reading “Lovely Lily”