The Holidays Are Dead To Me & Other Things That Make Me Happy

The holidays are dead to me.      Which is a big reason this is one of the best times of the year. By “dead,” I actually mean THE dead, as in those who have passed.      I love how they have a way of taking a seat at my holiday table. Something tells me they might be at yours, as well.      From the moment I pull my grandmother’s pressed glass serving pieces from the cabinet that came from great

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Those Were Not The Empty Nest Tears I Was Expecting

What really went down after I dropped off our youngest at college This was not the plan.      Not the plan for the plane at all.      “How do you think you’ll do?”      This question has come from multiple directions all summer long.      All in anticipation of what mothers around the world dread.      The Empty Nest.      I could’ve placed one hand across my heart and the other on a stack of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and answered entirely truthfully.      “I’m fine. Actually,” I’d

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The One Who Cured The Worst Pity Party Of My Life

This week I have the story of one lucky girl.      A story that starts with a pathetic pity party.      Mine.      On a Sunday night, long ago.      What is it about Sunday nights?      How they magnify lonely and sad.      Which is what I cried to my best friend.      It wasn’t the first time we’d had this talk.      Which is probably why she cut short the empathy and sent me a link.      With a simple note.      “I think you need to do this.”      It

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CBS Sunday Morning Debut: A Mother’s Day Card For My Daughter’s First Mother

Thank you, CBS Sunday Morning, for the chance to be on your incredible program! Such a thrill to hear Jane Pauley introduce my piece. This is about dreams coming true in ways you don’t expect. About being in debt to others, And mostly, about one awesome daughter. And this is for you, You, who might be with the one you want this Mother’s Day. I’m sending love. And understanding. If enjoy this story, you might enjoy my book, “Hope Possible:

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The Joy Of Losing A Job I Have Loved So Very Much

It appears I’m losing my job. A job I’ve loved very much. A job I dreamed of getting for years. Even though I knew I was the least worthy person in the world. I didn’t have an ice cube in the desert’s chance of getting. And yet, It happened. Now, it’s going away. And I am, Well, Happy. Scratch that. Mark me down as giddy. The job? Like you, Dear Reader, it is one of many I juggle. I am,

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The Honest Reason Why It’s Better We Are 500 Miles Apart On Our Anniversary

We won’t be together this anniversary. It makes perfect sense, actually. Things are working just as they are supposed to. In a world where often not much makes sense, This does. I need to remind myself of that today. This is an anniversary that very few get. And one, I bet, You, who are a parent, Dear Reader, will understand. I did not come to motherhood in a traditional way. I married a single dad who was raising his young

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Why Our Family Holiday Card This Year Was Actually Fake News

It’s pathetic, really.      Sure, it looks pleasant enough.      This year’s family holiday card.      I managed to herd all four family members.      Everyone combed their hair.      Put on a clean sweater.      There we are gathered around the Christmas tree,      Smiling our bright smiles.      I could almost post “#winning.”      Except for one thing,      I need to share,      To confess.      As lovely as our holiday photo is this year.      It’s

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Morning Phone Call Reveals Unexpected Revelation From His 91-Year-Old Father

The call came at 8:45. As it does each morning. Not my phone. My friend, Gene’s. It was his dad. His 91-year-old dad. “We don’t actually say the words out loud,” Gene said, “But it’s his daily, ‘Yes, I’m alive’ call.” Some days the calls are short. Some days longer. Monday was a chatty call. Dad felt like talking. So, Gene shared his story from the night before. How he had splurged. Dug into his family wallet to take his

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Something Heartbreaking Is Happening Behind My Daughter’s Bedroom Door

Something unbelievable is happening in my daughter’s bedroom. Behind a closed door. I know what she’s doing in there. Something big. Something heartbreaking. Something totally expected. Daughter is packing for college. I want to run in there 1,425 times an hour. “Have you thought about…?” “Have you considered…?” I stop myself mid-knock outside her door. I’m determined not to be that parent. Have you seen them? There is a special Facebook page for parents of students going to the same

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