My heart has felt so heavy lately. Has yours? And frankly, it has been less about the events of the world and more about the responses to it. Just yesterday, as I sat in a waiting room, I overheard a conversation that was borderline hate speech. And what I found so interesting is that these … Continue reading Clashing Symbols
The Right Time.
I was enjoying myself. And if I thought about how much enjoyment I was experiencing, I felt guilty. We were in line for the Peter Pan ride at Disneyland. There is laughter all around me. A cool breeze keeps that Southern California heat at bay. My youngest, Abeni, is chattering away, gifting anyone within earshot … Continue reading The Right Time.
Owen For Bella.
Honestly, I have forgotten exactly how many surgeries she experienced before the age of two. I can think of at least six. Some were more minor - some, well, you get it. Part of the road of parenting a sick kid is having to enter into a lifelong dance with the hypothetical. It is not … Continue reading Owen For Bella.
Resolve
I am at home today with my two daughters, on pins and needles, as I await to hear the verdict on the indictment of Officer Wilson in relation to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. There is a reason this matters to me - and although it is obviously more personal to me … Continue reading Resolve
A Prayer for Owen.
They all said the same thing. It would take two years. Once you start doing the research, it becomes clear as to why that is the case, but it does not make it any easier. I started berating myself for not starting this process a lot earlier. Of course, it had come to mind. Honestly … Continue reading A Prayer for Owen.
She.
She and her Little approach the heavy, engraved door and knock. A faint "come in" compels her to enter. The home is a bustle of giggling girls, chatting moms, the sure-tell signs of festivity. Her Little runs to greet her friends, immersing herself in a craft and handing her gift directly to the birthday girl - … Continue reading She.
Vinegar in Her Veins
My Dear, Like me, you have vinegar in your veins. And you know what? It has served you well and will continue to do so. It's a gift. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. A beloved Octogenarian said this to me recently. She has known me since I was five years old. And she … Continue reading Vinegar in Her Veins
Look For the Helpers
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ― Fred Rogers I am sure you have heard this quote before. It's comforting, isn't it? I find it to be especially so … Continue reading Look For the Helpers
Rooted.
I sat under its shade. Shoes off. Barefoot amidst the blades of grass. I even whispered to it, thanking it for its shade, acknowledging that we both honor the same Creator. And it whispered back to me, using the wind to carry its voice through the fluttering of its leaves. I spent a good deal … Continue reading Rooted.
I’m not Jen Hatmaker. So Be It.
I am sitting in bed with a wretched cough, weak, labored breathing from a chest that feels like it got stuck inside my hair flattening iron. I went to Urgent Care yesterday morning, admittedly hoping that they would find enough wrong with me to warrant a magical prescription that would cure me in 48 hours … Continue reading I’m not Jen Hatmaker. So Be It.
Raindrops & Rivers 