What’s Your Dream?
They caught on. “Why didn’t you do what you wanted to do?” They don’t outwardly say that I’m boring or seem disappointed that it might sound like I’ve settled. All those belittling thoughts are reserved for my own head.
Reaching for the Light
my daughters best? Am I stagnant, just present, and reliable while looking nice and adding ambiance? Or does love mean coming alongside them, ignoring the voices of those that might pity our family structure, and reaching for the light?
When the Chapter Ends
Today has cleats and crafts instead of highchairs, carpools and Minecraft instead of playgroups. God willing, tomorrow will have varsity sports and driver’s tests, followed by packed bags and first jobs.
Boldness, With Caution
I dropped the paperwork on my desk in an exhausted heap. It landed on top of another pile of forms, scattered haphazardly across the space. This buried an additional pile of documents, each with more pressure, disguised as helpful guidance, for parents trying to educate their children at home. Even with the support of their … [Read more…]
Feast or Famine
“If I leave the ingredients and a twenty on your porch, can you make dinner for my family?” “Well, sure!” I responded, glad to see my friend’s relieved look. He was the oldest of four boys, whose wise mother required her sons to cook each weeknight. My friend, all the wiser, decided to outsource his … [Read more…]
Compassion in Nursing
As the most trusted profession, we must learn to trust ourselves, and to recognize our limits as we provide compassionate care to our entrusted patients.
How Far We’ve Come?
The length of a shopping cart seems like enough distance. I wait outside in the crisp March air, as a line snakes around the Costco entrance. The store doesn’t open for another 20 minutes; this seems foreboding at best. A stream of texts ping through on my phone, and while most of them are forgotten … [Read more…]
Love in the Transition
Since, truly, I knew that my role, the one that I’d been anticipating all these years, was just starting. Now, we got to raise our girls.
As the Duck Swims
In our attempts to move away from urgency, I’m reminded that being thoughtful does not mean that we have become complacent, defeated, or lazy. Instead, we attempt to move through life giving attention where it’s deserved. If we are always multi-tasking, hurried, and rushed, there is little space to be thoughtful. By savoring the moments we have in front of us, we can contribute to the hidden blessings already in our midst.
Just Outside the Back Door
The orthodontist walked confidently into our small space, outfitted in goggles, mask, and face shield. Even behind all the protective equipment, he seemed to be smiling. “Tell me something that is bringing you joy in the midst of virtual school.” The sassy side of my brain kicked in, as it frequently does when I am … [Read more…]