Bittersweet autumn. The world changing color before our eyes. That certain slant of light, tinging the clouds with violet. The smell and crunch of leaves underfoot. Pulling out all things warm and snuggly - sweaters, hoodies, down comforters, and fleece throws. And yet, the shadow of winter hovers just ahead. Bare trees. Cold winds. Sleet. Ice. Snow. And darkness. So many hours of … [Read more...]
An Open Letter to the Yoplait Company
An Open Letter to the Yoplait Company To Whom it May Concern: I write to you concerning your product offering known as “Go-Gurt.” I’m not even sure I’m hyphenating or capitalizing this word correctly. Your website isn’t exactly clear. I think it’s actually “Go⇒Gurt” but just typing that took clip art and 10 minutes of my time. Nevertheless, I need to explain what may have been a radical … [Read more...]
Planning Not to Plan
When our whole family (including grandparents and uncles) went to Disney World in September a few years ago, I spent the entire summer planning for the trip and preparing Samuel the best I could. There were still lots of meltdowns and he had lots of sensory overload, but overall, the vacation was wonderful. Without all that planning, it would likely have been pretty miserable for Sam, and the … [Read more...]
Your Story Isn’t Over Yet!
Wouldn’t it be nice if God would show us what lies ahead? Do you know what I mean? I’m betting you do. We all have multiple questions to ask of God at any given moment: Are my kids in the right schools? Will they be safe there? Will we be able to pay for my child's therapies? Will you use my life, Lord, to make a difference here in some way? Should we move? Should we stay? Will I find … [Read more...]
I Will Never Forget
As last Friday came around (September 11), I kept seeing posts about "never forget," missing loved ones who left us that September day 14 years ago. It really made me think about not forgetting where we came from, my son and I. I will never forget when he couldn't talk at all at even age 3. He couldn't tell us his basic needs. He would take my hand and bring it to the thing he wanted. … [Read more...]
Don’t Run From Suffering
This collage contains my all-time favorite pictures of Joel. Did I say all-time favorite? I LOVE THESE PICTURES! I laughed out loud in the middle of Walgreen's as I thumbed through my order. I have Joel's sister, Sarah, to thank. She shot them in Gatlinburg, outside the Mellow Mushroom restaurant, where we'd just had some of the best pizza we'd ever eaten. We were on vacation in the Great Smoky … [Read more...]