Looking back at an old blog I had when my kids were young, I found this gem of a post. It almost makes me yearn for the days when my kids were small, discovering, and exploring the world through their smaller eyes. It recalls one of those lovely moments that are so easy to forget.… Continue reading “Penguins don’t have wings”
Category: Family
Parenting 101: Recalling “The Talks”
Back in 2013, I started a blog called The Second Half. I was in my early 40s and my kids were 11 and 7. One of the entries shared a couple of those important "serious conversations" with my pre-pubescent kid. I'm thankful that I had the presence of mind to record those moments. This is… Continue reading Parenting 101: Recalling “The Talks”
Why I Joined the No Kings Day Protest
Generally speaking, it’s not often that I post about anything but gymnastics, family and career stuff on social media. For this post, I had some thoughts to share about our local No Kings Day protests on June 14, 2025. I do have strong opinions about the state of our union. That said, I try not… Continue reading Why I Joined the No Kings Day Protest
Essential Wisdom for Becoming an Adult
The end of the school year is here. One kid graduated with a Masters degree. The other finished her sophomore year of college. This is one of those moments where I simultaneously look back and ahead. Here, I offer my kids six things I want them to remember as they move forward. To my favorite… Continue reading Essential Wisdom for Becoming an Adult
My Husband, My Hero
This post is to show my gratitude for my hero husband, who never fails to be there for our family. December 27, 2024 It's day nine post-surgery to repair my ruptured Achilles tendon. It's been a tough week and a half since the surgery. Thankfully, now that the Christmas/Hanukkah holiday blitz has passed, the pressure… Continue reading My Husband, My Hero
When it’s time for them to come back
Last August, I wrote a couple of posts about the slow slide to the empty (albeit temporary) nest. For the first time, both of our kids would be in college, and my husband and I would rediscover life as a couple. This is an update, nine months later. Oh, how time slowly flies. Read When… Continue reading When it’s time for them to come back
It’s November again
It's been a while since my last post. Once the boot came off from breaking my foot in August, it seems I hit the proverbial ground hobbling, then running, I was able to drive again, I started testing the foot in the gym, slowly adding some flipping back into the mix. I've also gotten busier… Continue reading It’s November again
Three years
Some thoughts about Ronnie Sue, my beautiful mom, on the 3 year anniversary of her passing.
When it’s time for them to leave, part 2
The final step of our college-bound empty nest.
When it’s time for them to leave, part 1
This year will be the beginning of our empty nest experience. It unfolds slowly. This is part one.
Heading towards the empty nest
From adorable cherub to high school graduate, this is my tribute to my youngest kid. I couldn't be prouder of her journey so far and what's to come.
More than an in-law
The other day, Facebook sent me a notification - the 14th anniversary of my friendship with someone special. Little did they know how much that "friendship" means to me and how much longer it has actually been since I've known her.
When the first kid goes away
Like millions of other parents, we just dropped our eldest kid off to college. This is my experience. I'd imagine anyone in the same boat feels much the same way.
In loving memory
My father-in-law died this past weekend. His passing rocked everyone's world, including mine. This is my tribute to his life and what he meant to me.
My story of losing a child
Listen to the stories of other women. Hear what they have to say before you judge them. Have compassion and empathy. Your moral compass may differ from theirs, but their life is just that - theirs, not yours. This is a women's health issue, not a political one. It's for women and their doctors to decide what's best.
Two Decades
I’ve been a parent for 20 years now. 20 years is a long time. My child is 20. I have to keep saying that because it is so unbelievable that it is the truth.
COVID got me, but not before I celebrated my kid’s big day
COVID - that spiky nuisance. The dreaded virus that we have been trying so diligently to avoid. It finally invaded, and I am accepting that after over two years, it's my turn. But not before I was able to celebrate my kid's big day.
Returning to Houston
I made my first trip back to Houston since Mom died a year and a half ago. This post journals my quick trip, dipping my toes back in southern waters.
Baking on a day off
Today, my daughter and I spent a little time in the kitchen on our day off making banana bread. It's a great way to build some culinary confidence while making something delicious.
These are the moments when it hits me the hardest that Mom is gone.
My daughter is in her second year of college. After many years of crippling mental health struggles, many directly related to high school, she is finally on a healthy upward trajectory, developing a personally satisfying academic career. She is organized, diligent, precise, and a formidable student. Taking ownership of her education, she is eating up… Continue reading These are the moments when it hits me the hardest that Mom is gone.
Random Mom dream
I had a dream about Mom. It’s actually a pretty rare occurrence that I remember any part of my dreams, and even rarer that she makes an appearance in them. When those wake me up in the middle of the night, I think it bears recording.
A new chapter in parenting
t’s been a long time coming. We hadn’t been away from the house for more than several of hours, much less an overnight. For a long stretch, maybe 5 or 6 years, we have had so many reasons to stay home. Kids, anxious pets, viral pandemic - they all gave us more than enough pause to do anything that was just the two of us.
November reverie
This is why November is my month.
Mom continues to inspire
I got a random instant message from a former student, Mona, who I'm still connected with over Facebook after all these years.
What’s in a year?
A lot can happen in a year. Reflecting on the past 365 days, I have done more new things that have been out of my wheelhouse than I have ever done. I have my mom to thank for being my compass.
A Day to Remember
“Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy.” Jandy Nelson Ronnie Sue Roth was my mom. She was not just kind, she looked out for those she loved passionately. Knowing her… Continue reading A Day to Remember
Paying Love and Respect
Paying our respects to loved ones we've lost can take many forms.
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