Articles : Virginia Ham
Oct. 19, 2009 issue
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Memory box
The parcel sat in a corner of my office, taking up space and collecting dust. But I ignored it, until several weekends ago, when I finally inspected its contents.
I unearthed a treasure trove, a documented narrative of the most formative period of my life — a stack of priceless art work by Jimmy Bishop; illustrated animal stories that I think match some of the better children’s books on the market today; essays from freshman English class (handwritten, not even typed, some even with decent grades and “clever” and “well done” notes in the margins from the teacher); a collection of columns for the Weather Vane student newspaper my junior year at Eastern Mennonite University and photographs from my college commencement in 1967.
June 22, 2009 issue
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42 years, why knot?
I was already feeling hesitant, but as Anna and I entered the gathering space at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, the anxiety level really shot up.
May 4, 2009 issue
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Key to a legacy of learning
I thought: What an exemplary gesture in honor of one whose life touched so many, including a relative of mine who never met this man, the late C. Henry Smith.
April 6, 2009 issue
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This column’s under pressure
Stress — a single word that can pack a punch, rendering us weak and powerless.
March 2, 2009 issue
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The seat of the scornful?
I often wonder why people prefer the front of the bus, the middle of the road and the back of the church.
Feb. 2, 2009 issue
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Parent-child roles reversed
Day by day, we are all on the same journey of aging, with certain events and experiences providing stark reminders of this reality.
Jan. 5, 2009 issue
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Keep pace with human race
The year 2008 has become another chapter in life’s annals. How did that happen?
Dec. 1, 2008 issue
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Surprised, again, by grace
I noticed a white ring around the fourth finger of my left hand where my wedding band should be. What had happened to this silver symbol of betrothal?
Sept. 8, 2008 issue
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Hymn sing: peak experience
MINERAL COUNTY, W.Va. — The phone call from Uncle Phil Dayton, my mom’s youngest brother, came weeks before the event, a personal invitation, and I thought, yes, why not? We pass this way but once.
Dec. 3, 2007 issue
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Church is a yearly choice
“Your membership in this church is about to expire.” My church doesn’t actually send notes like this, but it could.

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