The Cancer Journey
Cancer makes an impact in our lives in many ways – through friends and family members and sometimes in our own bodies. I was shocked to receive a cancer diagnosis a month after my wedding in 2014. Taking in all … Continued
Behaving as if the “to do” list is DONE
What would you do, how would you be if everything were done? What if you could be with friends or family without feeling like you were stealing the time from something you were supposed to do or something you started but hadn’t finished? … Continued
“Transplant Wilt” and Ways to Survive a Move
“Transplant Wilt” and Ways to Survive a Move by Oralee Stiles It happens to plants; it happens to us. When we move, we are “uprooted,” “transplanted” and we wilt. Plants need time, water and soil for the tiny … Continued
Gift Giving – It’s the thought that counts
My family has enjoyed this unusual form of gifting which we call catalog gifts. I wrote this article about it for my church newsletter. A Different Kind of Gift Giving: “It’s the Thought that Matters.” Imagine a Christmas when you … Continued
Angels in My Life
Writing about the impact of Angels in my life happened during a Life Stories Class taught by Dana Perry at the St Charles Cancer Center. Angels in My Life By Oralee Stiles Hamilton When I was four, angels from on … Continued
Be Kind to your Kin
Being Kind to Kin: cultivating compassion in families fractured by religious differences Description of a workshop offering by Oralee Stiles Hamilton Participants will offer their experiences of family ruptures and healings related to religious differences in their own life. We will … Continued
Religious beliefs
“What are your religious beliefs?” This was a challenging question for me. It came from a new acquaintance. I wrote this in August, 2011, in response to her question. The image that came to me is one of a painting – … Continued
Impact of Judaism on my life
Writing about this aspect of my life came together in a Life Stories Class taught by Dana Perry at the St Charles Cancer Center. Her Conversion; My Immersion by Oralee Stiles Hamilton As a Protestant, I knew very little about … Continued
Phone calls that changed my life
For Whom the Phone Rings — 50 years of answering by Oralee Stiles Hamilton The phone rang. . . Memorial Day, May 30, 1964 “Oralee we’ve been in an accident. Mother and Dad are in serious condition at St Nicholas hospital. Uncle … Continued
Cancer: meeting the surgeon
A Chapter of My Cancer Journey by Oralee Stiles Hamilton HE and ME October 1, 2014, the door opened and HE came into the room. Oh yes, he is a heart throb. I had not met him or seen a … Continued