Two years ago, my parents sold my childhood home. Two years ago, I said goodbye to the house where I slept for more than 20 years, where I learned to ride my bike, had countless sleepovers, and suffered my first … Continue reading
I have a bit of a confession to make. I didn’t have a very strong relationship with Mary until just recently, and I’m honestly still working on it. When I began to take my faith seriously in high school, I … Continue reading
Do you remember the first friend you lost? I do. My best friend in grammar school decided I was not popular enough. I was too shy to be considered “cool.” She distanced herself from me so she could become more … Continue reading
I recently had the great pleasure to read Claire Swinarski’s newest book, “In Full Bloom.” It couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time, as our family is enduring a cold, currently snowless winter, the fallout from the Covid crisis … Continue reading
118. That was the number on the scale just before I realized I needed help. 118 pounds. It’s really not that small of a number, especially when you stand at only five foot four. In fact, 118 pounds put me … Continue reading
I grew up in an allowance-giving household. For $3 a week, I was in charge of feeding the dog, setting the table, and cleaning my half of the room I shared with my sister. I took my job seriously, and … Continue reading
Most statistics on pornography say the average age of a child’s first exposure is 11 years old. New research from the security technology company Bitdefender has reported that children under the age of 10 now account for 22 percent of … Continue reading
In my years as a youth minister, I have seen way too many mothers fail to control everything about their children. I’ve known mothers who choose their teens’ clothes, who email teachers to argue about their children’s failing grades, who … Continue reading
Another negative pregnancy test. Another period. Another cycle begins. Another hope for a child ends. I mourn my loss quietly in the bathroom, stifling my sobs so I don’t wake up my husband in the next room. When I am … Continue reading
In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning. Some families put up their Christmas trees back in November. Other families are mourning the loss of some of the most beloved family traditions, including … Continue reading
