Happily Ever After
“I feel like I am a braver person after reading these books,” my good friend said to me in reference to a children’s series that I read to my kids and loved just as much, if not more, as they Read More
Viva El Papa!
I will admit I usually don’t understand the outpouring of mourning that follows the passing of a celebrity. I feel a bit confused and tend to want to say, “but you didn’t even know them.” However, the passing of Pope Read More
Kids These Days
I have been worried about the younger generations for a while. I have monitored and observed their mental health statistics with greater and greater alarm. We’re all pretty de-sensitized to alarming news. Since we are told everything is a crisis Read More
A Reflection and a Speech for Con-solatio
Here is a reflection I wrote about attending a Con-solatio family reunion: Home. Just the word conjures up an ache in my heart. I lived in one home my entire childhood and it was a blessed place. I was homesick Read More
It Started with a Letter
So, “it has been a hell of a year,” I’ve said more than a few times, but as I contemplate this year, I realize that’s not a very fair description. In fact, it would be more appropriate to call it Read More
Talk Given to Con-solatio Alumni
Fostering in so many ways has been a continuation of what I learned and lived while I was on mission with Con-solatio. Melanie asked me to give a version of this talk to the orientees and focus it around the Read More
Ful of Wonder
Each year, I like to write about some theme from the year and this year has had some exceptional moments of wonder: a solar eclipse, the northern lights (twice!), and a comet not seen since the days of cavemen. These Read More
Gratitude Not Guilt
White privilege. Catholic guilt. For me, the feelings that these two phrases bring forth are very similar. I have no problem, whatsoever, admitting that I participate in racist systems and structures. In fact, it makes complete sense to me that Read More
Over the…Beautiful Mountain
Is this what turning 40 feels like or should I be concerned? The doctor laughed and said, “you’re doing fine.” I trace a finger over the scars that bore my babies The one made by the one we lost is Read More
Full of Grace
I have always wanted to be a mother. I didn’t play with dolls that often, that I remember at least, but I do remember always seeking out the babies and young kids. I just wanted to hold them, even when Read More