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.
Category: Family
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 meant… Continue reading A Day to Remember
Paying Love and Respect
Paying our respects to loved ones we've lost can take many forms.