Meet Them In Our Hearts:

Talking with Children About Death My phone dinged. A note from my daughter’s kindergartner teacher waited in the class app. The note began friendly enough: “She’s doing well today … but…” And you know there’s always a but … “A few times this afternoon, she said she was sad because her aunt died when sheContinue reading “Meet Them In Our Hearts:”

Hurry Up and Wait

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, my daughter and I went on a quick errand to the craft store. As we walked in, my daughter grabbed my hand and pulled me back. “We can’t go in there,” she said. “Why?” I asked, looking around for danger, “What’s wrong?” “That!” she proclaimed, pointing to the display window.Continue reading “Hurry Up and Wait”

Kindergarten Ready?

This morning, my daughter had everything ready to go. She picked out the perfect dress (garnet and lace — just the right amount of style and comfort). She selected her comfort shoes (sparkly gold with a pink bow and light-up rhinestones). She packed her brand new Minnie Mouse backpack. She put the “ready confetti” fromContinue reading “Kindergarten Ready?”

Don’t Fake It, Just Make It

“What in the world is this?” my daughter asked holding up a picture she had found on my phone. “Is that Cinderella?” “That’s the inside of Cinderella,” I said. “She looks craaaaaazy!” The 5-year-old proclaimed. This particular Cinderella did look craaaaaazy on the inside, which is precisely why I had taken the picture of theContinue reading “Don’t Fake It, Just Make It”

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Balloons

“Nooooooooo,” my 2-year-old son screamed into the sky! “MY BAWOOOON! Come back!” “Well, that balloon’s up in space now,” his big sister said matter of factly. I just stood there, increasingly frustrated, holding onto two small hands, a drink carrier of milkshakes, and a heavy diaper bag that was slowly slipping down my arm. “MYContinue reading “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Balloons”