Kathy Simmons

Nuns, Fists and Arithmetic

Do you remember the days of the old school yard? Cat Stevens

“I made it through the rain“

My “letter to the editor” of the Irish Times published this week☘️

I have always loved frogs. It started the day my father, he too a frog lover, brought my three sisters and me, to the downstairs pet department of Woolworth’s five and dime. Standing before a random aquarium, I spotted a brilliant flash of jade green, gleefully darting around the tank. And then, as if sensingContinue reading “Frogs, in Life and Death”

2 Years Gone but remembered always

Missing Mag today, on the two year Anniversary of her death..

I Will Remember You

In my role as a Psychiatric Technician, the goal is to care for patients with professionalism and warmth while maintaining boundaries, within that working relationship. But sometimes, there are certain people who touch your heart in a way you do not expect. The reason may not be clear; they remind you of someone dear fromContinue reading “I Will Remember You”

Unsung Heroes

Sometimes, it is those in the background, the ones who are not center stage, that make a difference. The heroes among us who do their work, unceremoniously unnoticed. I have chosen three colleagues of mine from the Psych hospital where I work, who touch the lives of our patients every day and whose acts ofContinue reading “Unsung Heroes”

On the road, The Wild Atlantic Way

Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so, on the road…Jack Kerouac

Nature’s Door

“Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door.” Emily Dickinson We visited the Amalfi Coast on our honeymoon twenty-five years ago. One distinct memory was the colorful tiles which hung aside the front door of each hillside dwelling displaying the home’s number. Each different in theme and no doubt chosen to reflect the personality of the resident. TheContinue reading “Nature’s Door”

The Boxer in the Jade Green Dress

If there was one word that would best describe the essence of Margaret Sullivan, I believe it would be grit. Throw in madcap, resilient, stubborn and fearless and you might just capture her spirit perfectly. She was a delightful olio, stirred, shaken and generously poured into the life of those fortunate enough to have hadContinue reading “The Boxer in the Jade Green Dress”

The Day the Music Died

It is 6:45 AM and the sun is slowly rising over the hospital’s still silent campus. Entering the conference room for morning report, I wonder as I always do, what type of day is in store. But the moment my eyes fall upon my fellow Psych Tech and friend, Kay Bauer, seated at the table, herContinue reading “The Day the Music Died”