Loss & Grief
The Door That Kept the Years
There is a door in my house that desperately needs to be repainted. But I refuse. It’s the door in my middle son’s old bedroom. It is dingy, marked up, and definitely not something you’d find in a home décor magazine. But for years, it was where my kids measured...
Be A Simple Man
My son got married this weekend. It was a two-day celebration filled with fun, laughter, old friends, family, dancing, and love. So much love. Love for who they were as little ones. Love for their younger days. Love for who they are now. And love for who they are...
4 Things a Parents Can Do to Help Their Child if They are Ending a Relationship
I’ve noticed something lately in my work with younger clients. Ending relationships is harder for young people than it used to be. Not just because relationships are more complicated, but because walking away no longer means truly walking away. It means seeing their...
It Was Never Just a Field
Some places don’t know what they mean to us. This week, I drove past the field where my boys played youth football. It’s on the other side of town, so I rarely make my way over there anymore. But when I do, it brings back more memories than my heart can hold. To...
Holding On to Where They Started
There’s a trend that’s been around for a while involving high school seniors. I love it and hope it never goes away. It always makes my mom-heart swell. Seeing seniors rock backpacks that throw it all the way back to kindergarten or first grade? Pure joy. It’s fun....
There is Power In a Pen
Thirty years ago I was at Macys picking out towels to add to my wedding registry when I mentioned that our once soft and plush towels were no longer so great. The employee, a “helper” (but grouchy from the beginning), curtly asked me if I used dryer sheets? I replied...
Flat is the New Pink
We define beauty. Society does not. This past weekend I went to the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk put on by the American Cancer Society. It was inspiring to see survivors and those currently fighting breast cancer joined by their families and friends in...
Parenting Mom and Dad in the Sunset Years
Last Sunday I did my mom’s grocery shopping. We usually run her errands on Fridays but I was gone and had not seen her in a few days. I went to Safeway and then asked if she wanted me to grab her lunch too. We decided on sandwiches and she asked if I planned to stay...
We Show Up
Last weekend I drove two hours to attend the funeral of a dear friend's father-in-law. It was a no-brainer whether I would go or not. It was a chance to support her and her family, so it was without question. As I was walking up to the church, her sister saw me and...
It’s Okay To Get Lost
Last week I ran to the mall to return something at Lululemon. It was supposed to be a quick trip—make the return and leave. Because I had no intention of perusing the mall, I parked in a different spot than I usually do because it was closest to Lululemon. I stayed on...
