This morning my sweet little 4-year-old son woke up, gave me a kiss, and innocently looked at me and asked, “Mommy, why do you have lines on your head?”. At first, his question confused me, as I had just gotten out of bed and had yet to look in the mirror. After a few seconds, I quickly glanced at my no makeup face. Instantly I…

I lost my mother last year. In the same year, I gained Pops and Debbie, my in-laws. My favorite gift of 2017 was the gift of the new family I inherited through marriage. I gained sisters, brothers and even a handsome nephew. They are a true blessing. Each member of my newly inherited family came with its own relationship: each one unique and fulfilling. Each…

Dear younger self, (And All Young Ladies) You are ignorant, yet smart. You have a lifestyle and freeness that will fade with age and time. You have a free calendar and an open schedule. One day this will disappear too. As busy and chaotic as life will become, you’ll love it. One day you’ll look back and smile at the freedom, the fun, and the spontaneity…

It wasn’t the hospital. It was a room in my sister’s house. A room where you would spend your final days. It was a small room in the corner of the house. A place that would eventually hold your last breath and the shattered pieces of our hearts.  The room in the corner, the last place I would hold your hand, cuddle with you, and…

He turned and walked into his kindergarten classroom, almost without a kiss. He’s not scared. He’s not anxious. He’s excited. He’s radiating a confidence that is almost unrecognizable considering he’s only 5.  Five. He’s only five, yet he’s so poised and calm. He is ready for this adventure. He’s so ready to be a kindergartener. I’m not sure my mom heart is ready for this…