Seventeen years. Seventeen. Years. I repeated the words slowly to myself today in Starbucks as I considered our anniversary (insert pithy comment about a typical male not being home on his anniversary here). Three thoughts come to mind when I ponder the last seventeen years with my wife: Boy have we …
When #WINNING is not winning
Ever have one of those moments where you realize you are not quite as awesome a parent as you imagined? I had one of those moments two nights ago. My daughter Cynthia was out of pajama tops, so she asked to wear one of my t-shirts. I said yes, and she grabbed a shirt with the above image on …
The Board of Education & Abuse
My father’s school breaks were always terrifying for me and my mom. He drank all day for weeks on end and abused us whenever he wasn’t passed out somewhere. We cowered in fear, hoping not to upset him. It never worked. He yelled for me that morning, like he always did. Probably needed me to grab …
Four Magic Words
As a family, we are experiencing the joy of having an autistic child beginning puberty and being overwhelmed by emotions. As a result, she is just peachy. By peachy I mean angry, confused, violent, sweet, giggly, and wild, sometimes all at the same time, and sometimes in rapid succession. I feel …
When A Train Stop Is More Than Just a Train Stop
My train stop on Halloween was more than a train stop. Maybe it could have been just a train stop under different circumstances. Perhaps it would have held far less meaning if my bus home wasn’t leaving right when I got off the train. I bet if my kids weren’t waiting at home for me to go …
When Two Strangers Took Stuff From My House
Last Saturday, I had two complete strangers roll into my house and take most of my furniture. When they were done, I thanked them. And gave them donuts. These two strangers attend the same church as my family, and they came to help us move. Even though I had not met them, they came to help us …
Every Day a Limousine Day
I was flying cross-country between my parent’s homes in Ohio and California. Again. They had been divorced about a couple years at this point, and it seemed nobody wanted me to live with them. I would spend a few months with my Dad, and start to get some stability in my life. Then it was time to …
Betrayal
I was recently betrayed by someone very close to me. It hurts so much, and I fear it will never stop hurting. The words said, the anger behind them, and the emotion in them all conspired to cut me to the very center of my heart. I honestly don’t feel like writing, don’t feel like eating, don’t feel …
Climb that Rock Wall!
“My Grandma can climb higher than that!” “Come on! She’s fallen seven times. Let someone else have a turn!” “Why don’t you just get down and stop trying? You are NEVER gonna make it to the top!” The taunts had been streaming at her for the past several minutes. She had to force the tears from …
Why I’m Okay with a Little Sass From My Son
I am thrilled to be giving my friend Nita Holiday the opportunity to share some of her words today. Nita Holiday is a wife, mom, booknerd and Minnesotan. She is finishing her second novel and hopes to see her work as a tattered paperback on an airport bench one day. She likes people, so come find …
The Weight of HERE
Sometimes the weight of here is just too much. The burden of the moment nearly breaks my back. I cry up in confusion and anger to my God, “WHY? Have I offended you? Do you love me this little? Where are you in this moment, here, right now?” My here is overwhelming right now, as I write at 3:47 am …
Five Minute Friday Post: Remember
I remember what life was like before seizures came into the picture of our family. It was peaceful. We had hope. We knew that God was for us. There was no question about His active involvement in our lives. Fast forward ten years, and it feels like a distant memory. As if I remember someone else’s …