Aging

  • Searching for Words

    Something changes in you when your brain breaks. A stroke. Even a mild one. If there is such a monster. Inside, you see, feel, and hear the world as you remember it before February 25, 2026.Speaking loudly. Performatively. Your seventy-seven… Continue reading

    Searching for Words
  • Broken Brain

    On February 25th, I had a mild stroke caused by a blockage in the left carotid artery. I experienced memory loss and had difficulty finding words when speaking. I felt confused and didn’t understand what was happening.  That day, I… Continue reading

    Broken Brain
  • Life Expectancy

    It’s official. I’ve got 10.6 years left of this most interesting life. At least, that’s what the U.S. Social Security Administration says. Of course, I’m saying all this while ignoring the fine print, the part about my current health, lifestyle,… Continue reading

    Life Expectancy
  • The Temporary Tenant

    When my life convertsFrom matter into energy E = mc2The tombstone will pronounceHere lies The Temporary Tenant I have been a tenant of so many Dreams NightmaresIn so many Cities Towns NeighborhoodsPins on a map Of the U N I… Continue reading

    The Temporary Tenant
  • B l a n k

    Dedicated to all those who suffer from memory loss. Memories holding on Without them I am Blank They keep me Alive Joy Anger Without them I am Blank Memories They keep me from going mad I am nothing without them… Continue reading

    B l a n k
  • Living Old(er). More Lessons Learned.

    This is part two of a two-part poetic memoir on Living Old(er). Learning Lessons. Part one can be found HERE. “Eat Life like you’re starving. You may feel full at the end of the day, but damn, it tasted good.”… Continue reading

    Living Old(er). More Lessons Learned.
  • Living Old(er). Learning Lessons.

    This is part one of a two-part poetic memoir on Living Old(er). Learning Lessons. Originally published on LinkedIn and updated with my current age. I often joke that while I may be old(er) at seventy-seven, it doesn’t mean I’m deadNo,… Continue reading

    Living Old(er). Learning Lessons.
  • 41. A Love Story.

    January 1, 2026, Sumire Gant and Antonio Pedro Ruiz celebrate forty-one years of sharing their lives. The romantic in me searches for words to speak to youfor feelings to feelto share with you January 1, 1985when I crawled down the… Continue reading

    41. A Love Story.
  • 7   7

    December 8, 2025, marks my 77 rotations around the sun. The number 7 7 An angel number, I read it somewhere A powerful sign, I read it somewhere A spiritual awakening And Divine guidance, I read it somewhere I read… Continue reading

    7   7
  • Creating Dangerously

    Being honest with my own memories. This week, I finished the last of four Zoom workshops sponsored by the Bronx Council on the Arts on memoir writing. It was a heartfelt and supportive experience, with people from around New York,… Continue reading

    Creating Dangerously