Birthdays, anniversaries and holidays are big reminders of those who are no longer with us. Some may have passed away. Others may have chosen to leave our lives… and others we might have decided to walk away from. I’m the type of person who doesn’t accidentally forget a birthday. Every year, without fail, I send the card, make the call and send a text. Today, I chose a different...
It’s almost been one year since your diagnosis. So much has happened this past year. I could talk about all the procedures, doctor appointments, surgeries and treatments. I could talk about all of the devastation, pain and exhaustion. But I won’t. I’ll remember how you rose up, faced reality and stood in your power. I’ll remember how you stood tall and beat the odds...
Last night, you came to our room. You had woken up and couldn’t go back to sleep. Daddy invited you into bed with us. You climbed in and found your spot between us. A spot you had not used in longer than I can remember. You quickly drifted off to sleep. As did I. I woke up several times to check on you. I couldn’t help but smile when I opened my eyes. Your precious face so close to...
I can’t erase you from my life. You are still a part of my story. You are in my memories. But they’re tainted now. I can’t ignore what you’ve said. And I can’t ignore how you’ve made me feel. You picked up the phone and kicked me out of your life. You sat in my childhood home and shunned me with memories of me in that house all around you. Even the very chair...
I’ve listened to your criticism for years. Your judgments. Your disrespectful digs. I’ve pushed them aside, along with my self-worth. I’ve continued to allow you in my life. Against my better judgment. But this time… this time is different. You’ve gone too far for far too long. I will still love you. But I will do so from a distance. I love myself enough now to only accept...
54 days ago, Leala peeked at the skills she needed to do for 7th grade. She had just completed 6th grade the day before, but was eager to know what was next. She did one skill that day and another skill the next day. Once Monday came, she dove straight in and mastered a record-breaking 50 skills! There was no stopping her. She asked me how long I thought it would take her to finish 7th grade. I...
