Kathleen Otchy

My favorite restaurant has been open for business during the pandemic but things look a bit different right now. The doors of Lebanese Kitchen have been open for great pizza and of course, everything Mediterranean. I especially love their chicken…

This holiday weekend brings a change in seasons. For some, it’s not the typical change of seasons as usual, for little is usual right now. BUT there is something that is consistent and needed. Whether you have been meeting most…

Mrs. Neumann told me that I was such a nice girl but not very bright. She was my seventh-grade teacher and although it might not have been stated in the kindest way, it was true. I struggled with the basics…

She’s been in jail for 18 months. She got caught up in an ugly scheme that was admitted to quickly and she took the sentence given. In our most recent correspondence, I asked her how she was managing with COVID…

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” This is the opening verse of Psalm 10. It is the lament of David crying out to God asking if he is aware of…

“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredible healing message of “You’re Not Alone.” Brené Brown Dear Ones- There is so much…

It’s a bit hard to distinguish our days from each other but summer is on the horizon. Like you, I see my typical summer rhythm will probably be different this year. Vacation decisions are tentative, visiting my mom in NJ for…

I’m writing this as I sit outside of Fairfax Hospital overlooking the sprawl of buildings and a very empty parking lot. Somewhere in the building, there is a family that is waiting for word on a loved one who is…

Perspective. Mine isn’t so great today. I didn’t sleep well so I’m tired today. And all the lovely people I get to live with are just too close this morning and they are tired also. After being pretty cranky this…

I hear over and over in this season of COVID-19,  “Well, we’re all in the same boat.” That just didn’t sit well with me. Because as I talk with many of you, there are things that you are facing personally that…