I just realized that I had not shared my audio essay, “The War is Not Over,” on my blog. It was originally pitched/discussed/commissioned as a September 11th remembrance piece. As I have listened to the months of coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war that’s ravaging the Ukrainian people and their beloved … Continue reading The war is not over
By Cheryl Hatch Copyright 2021 In early December, I was heading to work when I noticed the pink clouds in the eastern sky. I took a detour to watch the sunrise at Surfer’s End at Sachuest Beach. I spot a small, freshly-cut Christmas tree hunkered in the sand near the sea wall, tucked in near … Continue reading A Beach, A Tree, Some Comfort and Joy
My cousin sent me a text a few days ago to tell me her mother, my aunt, was in the hospital. She sent an update later. Her mother would be moved to compassionate care. “We are not going to win this one.” I immediately began searching my memories. When was the last time I’d seen … Continue reading Suddenly, it’s the last time
In a couple weeks, my friend Christina and I will swim 11 miles, a feat neither of us has ever done. Christina named it the “Swim of Hope.” I take my inspiration for this swim from my friend Christina who created it on behalf of our friend Keith, who is living with hope and pancreatic … Continue reading Swim of Hope
My mom insisted on carrying her husband’s ashes on our United Airlines flight from Houston on Memorial Day weekend. A hard and heavy thing to carry, literally and emotionally. A sealed plastic box with the cremated remains of the man she’d married and shared her life with for 62 years. I’m sitting in the seat … Continue reading Bringing her husband home
Near the end of January, I checked the weather. It was freezing. With the ripping northeast wind, the temperature was 13 degrees. There was a small craft advisory. That wind direction meant there’d be impressive chop in the small cove. Perfect day of a swim. And not. We decided to meet at the cove and … Continue reading United We Swim
Last month, after the inauguration of our new president and vice president, I wrote President and Dr. Biden a letter. I posted it in an envelope I addressed by hand and hand-selected the stamp. I once worked as a summer congressional intern, answering constituents’ mail, so I know mailing a letter to the president and … Continue reading Dear President and Dr. Biden
The idea for Women’s Education Initiative began by accident, literally. After completing my scuba instructor training in the Philippines, I wrecked an all-terrain vehicle in the jungle: I was lucky to walk away with only a shattered wrist. I arrived alone at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Batangas City on Easter weekend 2003. “Where’s your companion?” The … Continue reading Celebrating Women’s Education Initiative
The toughest thing is that there comes a day when the loved one no longer responds. We never know when that day will be. We know it’s coming. The last time we can talk with the loved one. The last time we will hold a hand and the beloved squeezes it. We know it’s coming, … Continue reading the toughest thing
In transit. In the past couple weeks, that’s a phrase that’s popped up often. My mail. The planets. My sister. I left Rhode Island in a hurry. My sister would be coming home from the hospital; the doctors said there was nothing more they could do. I joined my family to prepare her home for … Continue reading In Transit
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