On International Women’s Day I was asked who a woman is that inspires me or I appreciate and I said my daughter.
And I can safely, after this past week, say that title still stands.
I knew witnessing my daughter in birth would be one of the hardest things ever but I seriously misunderstood exactly how hard.
This woman is my hero. I am so inspired by her grit and strength.
Watching and…
My favourite organization! They give children all over the world the supports and services they need, as well as joining child and youth voices to advocate for their rights!
Movie Review: Demonia (1990) directed by Lucio Fulci
In 15th Century Sicily, five nuns are crucified in a chamber of their convent. This is somehow seen by Liza Harris (Meg Register), an archaeology student, during a seance in Seattle in 1990. Her mentor, Canadian archaeologist Professor Paul Evans (Brett Halsey) scoffs at her vision as superstitious nonsense. He instructs her to get ready for…
When little Jimmy was two, he welcomed his new baby sister home. We put her in the baby swing and brought Jimmy to her, telling him that if the baby liked him, she would clasp his hand with hers. Of course, he didn’t know that babies have a reflex that means they will clasp what is put in their hand.
When the baby’s hand closed around his finger, his entire face lit up and he said, “My baby…
Within the next few weeks, “The Mind of a Child” will be out on Amazon. I am totally excited and thought I would post something from it here for you all to read. Here goes.
“Back in the 60s and 70s, no one thought an eight-year-old child could suffer from depression. After trauma such as as abuse, natural disasters, or violence, children’s mental health needs were basically ignored unless they acted out, were aggressive, cried all the time, or couldn’t let their mom out of their sight. If there wasn’t something tangible happening, children’s mental health was left to take care of itself, which it seldom did. Instead, it would change into disorders such as separation anxiety, anxiety, or depression. These are just a few examples of what childhood trauma can leave behind.”
As I was reading this story in the Book of Genesis 27, I had to pause. The more I read about the family of Isaac and Rebekah, the more uncomfortable I felt. It is a difficult story because it reflects something that still happens in many families today.
Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons: Esau and Jacob. But instead of raising them as two sons equally loved, the house slowly became divided.…
My relationship with children is so weird. Like I don’t find them cute and I don’t enjoy playing with them and I don’t want to acquire one for myself. But. They are so endearingly weird and eager to learn and that makes them such excellent conversationalists.
Moana inspired dress for girls — a magical island princess costume. Natural colors, ethnic details, and a comfortable fit create the look inspired by the brave heroine Moana from the Disney movie Moana.
Perfect for birthday parties, photo shoots, costume events, or a special gift. Lightweight and comfortable, this dress helps every little girl feel like a true ocean princess.
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• magical dress for girls
He’s been deployed since October, and at this point it feels like our normal life.
There wasn’t a huge emotional unraveling when he left. Of course we miss him, but we adjusted quickly. We set a strict budget, figured out our schedules, and committed to talking every single day. Not long dramatic calls. Just consistent ones. We talk about the kids, what broke that day, what we ate, what is coming up that week. It feels steady and familiar.
I handle everything at home. The bills, the kids, the pets, the school schedules. I always have, so that part did not change much. The house still runs the way it always has. What changed is the physical absence. The small shared responsibilities that used to feel automatic.
The trash is mine now. The weeds too. Oil changes used to be his thing, and now I schedule them and sit in the waiting room alone. It is not overwhelming. It just reminds me he is not here. When something breaks, I video call him and hold the phone up so he can see what I am looking at. Sometimes he can walk me through it. Sometimes I end up calling someone anyway. Either way, we figure it out.
I send him practical things when he needs them. A new phone case. Sunscreen. Small items he realizes he forgot. It is not romantic, but it is caring. It is how we take care of each other right now.
We are both very faithful and very committed. That has never been shaky. We trust each other. We stay in contact. There is a calmness between us that I am grateful for. It does not feel dramatic. It feels disciplined and intentional.
The kids have handled it better than most people would expect. They are calm. Sometimes they say they miss him. Sometimes they draw him pictures or send him videos of what they are doing. Then they move on with their day. They are not overly emotional, but they are aware he is gone.
Our family routine is mostly the same, with small changes because they are growing up. My son is almost a teenager and now showers in the morning instead of at night. My daughter is learning how to take better care of her skin, and so is my son. Sunscreen, lotion, healthier food. Those things have always mattered in our house, but the conversations are a little more detailed now. They are learning how to take care of their bodies in new ways.
He is missing a year of them growing. That part is hard to think about. Kids change quickly at this age. But he is in a non combat location, and we are allowed to visit him on base in June. He will be home in July. Having those dates helps. It makes this feel temporary instead of open ended.
We are not falling apart. We are not overly emotional. We are simply doing what needs to be done while staying connected to each other.
It is not flashy strength. But it is real.
youtube.com/watch
Breaking Barriers in Law: Usha Sood on Human Rights, Domestic Abuse Reform, and 50 Years of Legal Advocacy
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In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Innovative People Podcast, host Tina Jesson sits down with Usha Sood, Nottinghamshire’s first female barrister and Head of Trent Chambers, to explore her extraordinary legal career spanning more than five decades.
With over 50…
