August 28, 2018, was arguably the most difficult day of my life. Around 3 am, I was awakened by my husband. I could tell there was something very wrong with him, although he didn't realize it. I wasn't sure what to do so I said a quick prayer. Concerned about his well-being, I did not... Continue Reading →
Sticky kisses, muddy messes and broken dishes: advice from a middle-aged mom
My husband and I have been teaching a kids class at our church for several months now. The kids range in age from six to eight (it's like Sunday School called Primary and you can learn more about it here if you'd like). As parents who have almost reached the middle stages of parenting (is there... Continue Reading →
Please don’t come visit me at home
My home is my sanctuary. That's probably true for a lot of people. But for me, with a chronic pain illness, it's the one place I can breathe and just be me. I don't have to smile or fake how I'm feeling or live up to anyone's expectations. I would guess others with invisible illnesses... Continue Reading →
I think I might be going through a midlife crisis
I chopped my hair off last week. It was a bit above shoulder length so there wasn't really that much chopping involved. But it's definitely different ... the semi-trendy asymmetrical bob with the shorter side nearly shaved (which has probably worn off its trendy tag by now ... or did so long ago and the... Continue Reading →
Overcoming fear, shame & judging: mental illness, an inspired program & becoming a Mormon missionary
I wasn't sure this day would ever come. There's a lot of anxiety and worry that accompanies being the parent of a child with a mental illness. On one end are things like: will he be able to make friends and how will he manage school (I didn't think he'd ever survive elementary school. I'm... Continue Reading →
Surround yourself with good people
The first time I met Alex was about a week before classes were to begin my freshman year at BYU. I knocked on the door of what would be my home for that first year of college, not knowing if anyone had moved in yet. She opened the door holding a blow dryer and a... Continue Reading →