When I was a kid, my sister Amanda and I would have contests to see who could bite into a lemon wedge without wincing.

Tell me we're not the only ones who played this game!

I honestly can't tell you who "won" by keeping a straight face the longest.

But I still remember the bittersweet tang of fresh yellow citrus in my mouth!

I really like lemons. I love their freshness, their sunshiny color, and the punch of flavor they add to food and drink.

Lemon bars. County fair shaken lemonade. Lemon zest tossed atop shrimp scampi.

I'll take lemons as nourishment and sabor anytime!

But as much as I like lemons, I'm not a huge fan of the lemons life sometimes offers me.

Take, for example, hearing from my former spouse Bob the news that he has an irreversible and often fatal lung disease, one that has and will continue to dramatically impact his life.

Add to the gravity of his diagnosis having to tell our teenagers last month that their dad's time on earth is suddenly extra precious and time-limited.

No one enjoys this kind of lemon.

We've all heard the saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."

Well, I'm gonna need hella sugar to balance the bitter juice of Bob's condition.

This news stings like acid in a fresh wound.

For almost a year now, we've seen Bob battle exhaustion and poor concentration, witnessed him dizzy upon standing and winded when walking a block, extra hard to see given that just 3 years ago he was an Ironman triathlete.

Some aspects of our life as a family are shifting now. Bucket lists are being written and wishes realized. What really matters is being prioritized and clutter is being cleared.

I began a part-time job last month to create some semblance of consistent support for myself while so much swirls around me.

I've also decided, for now, to take my Monday evening virtual yoga class for women in perimenopause and menopause off the calendar. I need a little extra rest these days.

For the time being, my Saturday morning virtual yoga class will remain. You can also practice with me in studio or via livestream on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. at Grace yoga in downtown Silver Spring.

As always, my availability for 1:1 massage and yoga appointments is on my website.

One of my core values is humor and, despite all the crapola of this summer, I still make a point to laugh every day.

If you have space in your day to make me laugh, complete this sentence and me email me your answer. If you're reading this on social media or my blog, post a comment.

Lemony love,

Jennifer (she/her)