There was a video on CNN yesterday that stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t footage from Thailand, or election coverage.  It is a video of a little 5 year old girl  sitting in front of an image of 5 cartoon children. The children are all wearing the same dress and the same expression, only the color of their skin is different.  An interviewer...

Growing up my Dad always made a point of telling us that none of us are adopted. When it comes to me and my Mom, he really could have saved his breath.  I look just like her.  We are very similar in other ways too. I know that I get my love of words and my passion for word-play from my Mom.  We like books and crossword puzzles and silly poems...

There is often truth to some to the things we joke about.  I have heard lots of jokes about in-laws and how awful they can be, but I never thought I would be the one to experience anything like that! When I first got married I didn’t know much about my husband’s family. I knew a little, but my concern was my husband so I didn’t bother...

When my son was diagnosed with autism, I was surprised at the depths of grief that threatened to overwhelm me. Even though I still had my son, I felt as if I had lost him in some ways. The burden of mourning and moving into a new normal was not a load I was able to carry on my own. Thankfully, my family and friends linked arms with me, walking...

Money is tight, but you still want to take your family on an exciting vacation! Here are some ideas that won't break the bank. 1. Family camp - Also called "intergenerational camps", to distinguish them from the classic kids' summer camps, they typically have beautiful settings, simple lodgings, meals included (probably in a dining hall), and...

At 19 weeks I gave birth to a little boy.  We named him Jacob.  We said hello and goodbye in the same hour. He is not a miscarriage or an almost-child, he is my son.  This letter was written three years after his birth.  This is a glimpse into my mother’s heart, a letter written to Jacob my son who resides in heaven.  If you (or someone you...

Do too many parents and grandparents try to live through their kids and put too much pressure on them? At a young age, kids are often pushed into playing sports or music or other activities. While there are some great benefits that can come from these activities like learning teamwork and gaining self-confidence, there are also dangers, none...