When I was in sixth grade, I got a demonstrable case of acne. And back in the day, the prescribed treatment was to avoid chocolate and to apply an alcohol-based stringent to my face twice a day. Always the over-achiever, I applied at least four or five times a day resulting in a permanent tomato-hued face. … Continue reading Marta
motherhood
The Greatest of These
We move into our new home on Sunday. This move has been a source of panic attacks and sadness for me and I have had trouble understanding why. I mean, this should be a source of joy and gratitude, right? What is wrong with me that I have felt anxiety and dread? One of the … Continue reading The Greatest of These
Draw Near
I ran out of peppermint cocoa this morning. Just like that. Not a single ounce to add to my morning coffee, nor console me that the fifth day of Pacific Northwest rain is not so terrible. My medically fragile daughter, recently diagnosed with anemia, is home today. It is "that time of the month" … Continue reading Draw Near
Swim.
I started swimming when I was four years old. I joined my first swim team competitively at age 5 and for the next 8 years - I never took home a ribbon that was not 1st or 2nd place in any event. My swim coach, Dave, was the type of coach every kid should experience. … Continue reading Swim.
12.
"Carrie - do not hold on too tight." I scoffed at our beloved neonatologist when he said this. We were standing over the examining table, inspecting Bella's double lumen port that lead to her vena cava. She had just had this life giving mechanism inserted the week before and really this appointment was to scrutinize me … Continue reading 12.
When Your Child’s “Love Language” is Acts of Service.
She is seven and I am only allowed to kiss her once a day on the top of her head. Hugs are only given, never received. Snuggling is only when there is a subsequent fever. At first - I thought perhaps my daughter was merely attempting to emulate her tween sister. I waited until she … Continue reading When Your Child’s “Love Language” is Acts of Service.
Let Me Tell You About Owen
Admittedly, I never knew there was a difference. How could I? Like so many things in life, we do not become knowledgeable until it becomes relevant. I have seen service dogs around the community, and I knew that these dogs are working and not to be acknowledged or approached without consent. I knew about therapy … Continue reading Let Me Tell You About Owen
Keep Your Mouth Shut! Silencing the Voice of Default.
Tomorrow, I am missing out on an event I had been looking forward to attending for MONTHS. My mom's non-profit, Wellspring, is hosting an intimate one day retreat led by Eugene Peterson. Eugene Peterson is a favorite author - one whose writing has resonated with me and has been an integral part of various stages … Continue reading Keep Your Mouth Shut! Silencing the Voice of Default.
When Your Shoes Do Not Fit Me.
We say "if you could only walk a mile in another's shoes" but frankly - most likely those shoes will not fit. Right? I am a sucker for metaphors, symbolism, idioms, even a hyperbole or two. No question. As a mother, I find this phrase to be a beautiful springboard for conversations that lead to a better … Continue reading When Your Shoes Do Not Fit Me.
10th Anniversary
I cannot believe it. Honestly. On Saturday, June 20th, we completely missed the 10th Anniversary of Bella's Kidney Transplant. Missed it. Woosh. Is that a good thing? I guess it is in the sense that life has moved on. And we are living it. And Bella is doing well. My body knew, however. I felt … Continue reading 10th Anniversary
Raindrops & Rivers 